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Molecular processes in biological thermosensation.
I Digel1, P Kayser, G M Artmann
1Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Ginsterweg 1, 52428 Juelich, Germany.
Journal of Biophysics (Hindawi Publishing Corporation : Online)
|February 5, 2010
Summary
Thermosensation, the ability to sense temperature, is a fundamental biological process. This review explores universal molecular mechanisms underlying how organisms detect and respond to thermal stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Thermodynamics
Background:
- Thermal gradients are ubiquitous, making thermosensation a crucial sensory process in all organisms.
- Temperature changes significantly impact cellular physiology by affecting biological macromolecules like nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of thermosensation.
- To discuss the diverse classes of temperature-sensing molecules and their biological roles.
- To highlight the universal nature of thermosensitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical analysis
- Structural elucidation
- Thermodynamic modeling
Main Results:
- Thermosensitive function is not confined to specific molecular structures but is a universal property.
- Biological macromolecules are common targets for temperature-related stimuli.
- Hemoglobin proteins exhibit features suggesting a role as "molecular thermometers".
Conclusions:
- Thermosensation involves universal molecular mechanisms rather than specific structures.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to comprehending organismal responses to temperature.
- Further research into molecules like hemoglobin could reveal novel thermosensing pathways.
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