Details some of the many ways in which electronic and ionic charges are transferred and distributed in biological systems. Covers essential life-sustaining processes including enzyme catalysis, ion transport and osmotic effects, biological communication systems, and energy conservation reactions that rely on gross or subtle changes in charge configuration on and around biological molecules. Provides enough introductory material to serve as a useful prologue for nonspecialists--thus those with a background in biochemistry will be introduced to key physical concepts and vice-versa.