International Workshop on Biophysical Correlates of Cellular Function UNESCO

摘要

The scientific sessions began with three lectures which provided a broad overview of our current understanding of cellular structure and function. These lectures set the stage for the remainder of the workshop which involved the presentation of data related to the interrelationships between cellular function and structure, the latest concepts of cellular transport processes, the physical state of water and ions in cells, and divergent view of cellular function. In addition to these, the last session dealt with the applications of new technologies to the broad range of biophysical problems which were discussed throughout the workshop. The role of membranes and the cytoplasm in the control of the cellular environment were of major focus during the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions. The latest information on membrane transport proteins were presented by leading authorities in this field. New information on the role of the cytoplasmic matrix in the control of the cellular environment was presented and extensively discussed. There emerged what appears to be a consenses that a significant amount of ion binding is present in cell membranes as well as the cytoplasmic matrix. In addition, new information was presented on the diffusive motion and the relaxation processes of water molecules in various cellular systems.