Question

A cell is a chemical system, consisting of billions of molecules, ions, and atoms. These chemical species are constantly engaged in chemical reactions.

Physics gives the impression that chemical species concentrated in a tiny space, such as a cell, are randomly moving and colliding into one another. Any chemical reaction can occur only if the correct reactants collide with one another and get transformed into a raft of products, under exergonic conditions.

It appears that motions and reactions for biochemicals inside a cell are random and unpredictable. However, cell biology is all about highly regulated and coordinated cellular processes, including transcription, translation, vesicular transport, replication, gene regulation, and so on.

Since each of these cellular processes relies on specific biochemicals to undergo correct chemical reactions, it now appears chemical reactions inside a cell are much more predictable and controlled than what physics might suggest, and so are motions of biochemicals.

How do I reconcile these conflicting ideas about the nature of cells?

Answer 1

The motions and reactions of biochemicals inside a cell are more predictable and controlled than physics might suggest.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the field of biochemistry, it is understood that cell biology involves highly regulated and coordinated cellular processes. While physics suggests that chemical species in a cell move randomly and unpredictably, the reality is that chemical reactions inside cells are much more predictable and controlled due to the specific biochemicals involved. These biochemical reactions are necessary for processes such as transcription, translation, vesicular transport, and gene regulation. Therefore, the motions and reactions of biochemicals inside a cell are not as random as physics might suggest.