Abstract

Chemical parametric excitation is presented as the fundamental mechanism of energy transfer. Together with the Franck-Condon principle, it provides a mechanically sound explanation for enzymatic reaction, nerve excitation, muscle contraction, and electron transfer at a basic level. Intermediate between macroscopic models of membrane asymmetry and molecular models, the new model rests on a systematic approach, proposed here, to organizational aspects of the energy transfer processes. In support, a derivation is given of the chemical analog of the Manley-Rowe power conservation relations for parametrically excited electrical networks. This extension to chemical systems indicates for the first time an explanation of power flow directionality and delegates a pumping role to the enzyme. The generalized Manley-Rowe relations are suggested to be a universal law of nature. In such case, nonlinearity could be attributable to the coupling of three systems by these generalized Manley-Rowe conditions relating flows/reactions/oscillations--even though separately each system might be described by linear (Onsager) relations.