Diffusion, Phase Separation and Active Matter - Class 1

Learn the fundamental principles of diffusion, phase separation, and active matter in biological systems through this comprehensive lecture from the Minicourse on Fundamentals of Biological Physics. Explore how molecular diffusion governs transport processes in living cells, understand the mechanisms behind phase separation that create membrane-less organelles and cellular compartments, and discover the unique properties of active matter systems where energy consumption drives non-equilibrium behaviors. Examine the mathematical frameworks used to describe these phenomena, including diffusion equations, thermodynamic principles of phase transitions, and the statistical mechanics of active particles. Investigate real-world biological examples such as protein clustering, lipid membrane dynamics, cytoplasmic streaming, and collective cellular behaviors. Gain insights into how these physical processes contribute to cellular organization, signal transduction, and biological function at multiple scales from molecular to tissue level.