Trends in Ecological Physical Chemistry - Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Ecological Physical Chemistry, Milan, Italy, 25-29 May 1992 (Hardcover)

Ecological physical chemistry is a new trans-disciplinary field concerned, on one hand, with the study of the interactions between complex molecular systems and, on the other, with a systematic approach to the overall biosphere. This book encompasses the views of scientists involved in the study of some of the planet's major biological, ecological and environmental problems in order to offer an overview of recently developed methods for studying the complexity of these concerns at every level, from molecular to social organization. The volume deals with computational modelling on: the relationship between molecular structure, dynamics and signal transduction in biological systems; the influence of the surroundings on reactions; the relationships between molecular structure and biological activity, as well as experimental methodologies for studying the interaction of DNA with small and large molecules. It also discusses the problems arising from the need to develop new thermodynamic theories and models in order to continue the analysis of natural processes and their effects on living systems and the environment. The final section describes the key points involved in the process of realizing sustainable patterns of economic elaboration and development, specifically the roles of the limits determined by thermodynamic, natural resources, pollution absorption, population tolerance levels and, most importantly, those of our understanding about where these limits lie and how they influence the systems.