Isolated System: A thermodynamic system that does not exchange matter or energy with its surroundings. It is completely insulated, so no transfer occurs (see Gailly, 2025).
Adiabatic System: A system that allows no heat transfer with its environment, typically achieved through a perfect insulation barrier. It may, however, perform or undergo work (see Gailly, 2025).
Closed System: A system separated from its surroundings by a diathermic barrier, permitting energy exchange (as heat or work) but not matter. It can undergo energy transfer while maintaining constant mass (see Gailly, 2025).
Open System: A system that exchanges both matter and energy with its environment through a permeable boundary, such as a cell or biological organ (see Gailly, 2025).
Intensive Variables: Properties that do not depend on the system size or amount of matter, such as pressure (P), temperature (T), and potential (V). They characterize the state of the system independently of its extent (see Gailly, 2025).
1. What is an open thermodynamic system?
2. Who initially conceptualized the cell as an open thermodynamic system in the 1960s?
3. What is the primary role of material flux coupling in cellular processes?
Thermodynamic System — types?
Isolated, adiabatic, closed, and open.
Isolated system — exchange?
No matter or energy exchange.
Open system — exchange?
Both matter and energy exchange.
Cell as open system — role?
Exchanges matter, energy, info to maintain homeostasis.
Intensive variables — examples?
Pressure, temperature, potential.
Extensive variables — examples?
Volume, moles, total energy.
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