Improved understanding of molecular systems has only emphasised the sophistication of networks within the cell. Simultaneously, the advance of nucleic acid nanotechnology, a platform within which reactions can be exquisitely controlled, has made the development of artificial architectures and devices possible. Vital to this progress has been a solid foundation in the thermodynamics of molecular systems. In this pedagogical review and perspective, we discuss how thermodynamics determines both the overall potential of molecular networks, and the minute details of design. We then argue that, in turn, the need to understand molecular systems is helping to drive the development of theories of thermodynamics at the microscopic scale.

中文翻译：

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热力学对分子系统的重要性，以及分子系统对热力学的重要性。

对分子系统的更好的理解仅强调了细胞内网络的复杂性。同时，核酸纳米技术的发展（可以在其中精确控制反应的平台）的发展使人工结构和装置的开发成为可能。取得这一进展的关键是分子系统热力学的坚实基础。在这一教学评论和观点中，我们讨论了热力学如何确定分子网络的整体潜力以及设计的细节。然后，我们认为，反过来，对分子系统的了解有助于在微观尺度上推动热力学理论的发展。