Theoretical perspectives on biological machines
By operating out of equilibrium, nanoscale biological machines execute many functions that do not take place in abiotic systems. Statistical physics, physical chemistry, and polymer physics principles are needed in elucidating the rules and constraints governing large-scale structural changes that occur when metabolizing molecular fuel. This paper reviews the advances in theories rooted in coarse graining the complex systems while reminding us that molecular details must be an integral part of a deeper understanding of processes in living systems.