Relationship Between Physics and Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms. Physics is the study of matter and the laws of nature to understand the behavior of matter and the universe. The Biophysical Society explains that, when scientists combine physics and biology, they learn more about biological systems on a molecular or atomic level. By taking a quantitative approach to biological questions, a scientist gains a better understanding of patterns that occur in living organisms.

This Is The Main Relationship Between Physics and Biology.

Definition of Biology

Biology is the study of life and organisms. This natural science includes the origin, evolution, function, structure and distribution of living organisms. The discipline also concerns itself with topics like the classification of organisms, an organism’s ability to regulate its internal environment, how structures function as a whole, and the interaction of living organisms within an environment. Basic biological concepts include the study of cells as basic structural units of life, genetics and heredity, and transformation of energy by organisms while growing, developing and adapting to their environments.

Definition of Physics

Physics is the study of energy and matter and how the two interact through time and space. As physicists study the natural word, they attempt to answer questions about the behavior of the universe. Physicists study events that occur in nature, such as the passing of time, and use principles or patterns to explain and make predictions about such events in the natural world.

Biology and Physics Working Together

Physics provides the basis for biology. Without space, matter, energy and time -- components that make up the universe -- living organisms would not exist. Physicist Richard Feynman said that everything on earth is made of atoms, basic units of matter, that constantly move. Since biology has its foundation in physics, it applies physical natural laws to the study of living organisms, according to Muskegon Community College. For instance, physics helps explain how bats use sound waves to navigate in the dark and how wings give insects the ability to move through the air. The American Physical Society shares that many flowers arrange their seeds or petals in a Fibonacci-like sequence to maximize exposure to light and nutrients. In some cases, biology helps prove physical laws and theories. Feynman states that biology helped scientists come up with the law of conservation of energy.

The Odd Couple

There are instances when physics disproves or can’t explain biological occurrences and vice versa. For example, physics can’t account for the encryption of traits in DNA or historical contingencies as they relate to evolution. Physics and biology can’t explain the origin of life or how inorganic objects transitioned to organic life. Cornell University states that the biological theory of evolution contradicts the second law of thermodynamics because nature can’t create order out of disorder -- and evolution is a process that creates increasing levels of order. Scientists wishing to bridge the gaps between physics and biology use biophysics, a science that relies on theories and methods related to physics to study and explain biological systems.