Random Walks in Biology

A landmark account of the dynamics of living systems and the methods for studying them

Random Walks in Biology provides a lucid, straightforward introduction to the concepts and techniques of statistical physics that students of biology, biochemistry, and biophysics must know. Howard Berg offers an essential foundation for understanding random motions of molecules, subcellular particles, and cells as well as the processes that are affected by such motions. Using the concept of ＂random walks＂ of individual particles, Berg illuminates the physics involved in diffusion, sedimentation, electrophoresis, chromatography, and cell motility. With an engaging foreword by theoretical biophysicist William Bialek, this Princeton Science Library edition can serve as a supplementary text for courses on biochemistry, molecular biology, biomechanics, physiology, biophysics, and physical chemistry. It is also an ideal reference volume.

Howard C. Berg (1934-2021) was the Herchel Smith Professor of Physics and professor of molecular and cellular biology at Harvard University. William Bialek is the John Archibald Wheeler/Battelle Professor in Physics at Princeton University.