cellular power output

[premjan]

Basically a cell is a (thermodynamic) engine. What are the range of power outputs of typical cells? Are there any lower or upper size or power constraints?

[mirage]

I've heard that undiseased motor neurones can develop up to 200 break horsepower.

[Jet Black]

1.21 Gigawatts.

[premjan]

200 horsepower seems like a huge amount.

1.21 Gw? Is that a theoretical maximum?

[markfiend]

1.21 gigawatts is the amount of power the DeLorean time machine needed in the film "Back To The Future".

[premjan]

I suppose cells (e.g. archaea) which use nontypical energy sources are likely to have very low power outputs. White muscle ought to have a higher short-term power rating than red muscle.

[Berthold]

1.21 Gigawatts.
For the whole biosphere?

[IanC]

1.21 gigawatts is the amount of power the DeLorean time machine needed in the film "Back To The Future".
Annoyingly pronounced "one point twenty-one".

Ian