Explore fundamental forces and nonequilibrium potentials through the lens of topology in this comprehensive lecture by Massimiliano Esposito. Delve into advanced concepts at the intersection of physics, bioenergetics, and cellular metabolism as part of the ICTP-ICTS Winter School on Quantitative Systems Biology. Gain insights into the energetic costs and constraints of cellular processes, energy budgets of cells, and the impact of energetic constraints on cellular functions. Examine the application of nonequilibrium physics tools to cell biology and the challenges involved in physical bioenergetics. Broaden your understanding of how cells harness energy flows to drive biological functions and the limits imposed by energy flows on cellular processes.