Abstract
A model based on enzyme localization is developed which gives rise to an apparent active transport of a metabolite into or out of cells. The model is applied to three simple situations, using Fick's equation and the Rashevsky approximation. It is shown that the apparent efficiency can be made as large as desired if, for constant reaction, the outer cell region is made sufficiently small, or, for autocatalytic reaction, if the metabolite concentration in the outer region is sufficiently small. The physical limitations imposed by this mechanism are developed for all three situations.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature
Franck, J. and J. E. Mayer. 1947. “An Osmotic Diffusion Pump.”Arch. Biochem.,14, 297–313.
Rashevsky, N. 1948.Mathematical Biophysics. Rev. Ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Rosenberg, Th. 1948. “On Accumulation and Active Transport in Biological Systems.”Acta Chemica Scandinavia,2, 14–32.
Sacks, J. 1948. “Mechanism of Phosphate Transfer Across Cell Membranes.”Quart. Rev. Biol.,13, 180–84.
Spiegelman, S. and J. M. Reiner. 1942. “A Kinetic Analysis of Potassium Accumulation and Sodium Exclusion.”Growth,6, 367–89.
Steinbach, H. B. 1952. “The Sodium and Potassium Balance of Muscle and Nerve.”Trends in Physiol. and Biochem., 173–92.
Teorell, T. 1949. “Permeability.”Ann. Rev. Physiol.,11, 545–64.
Ussing, H. H. 1949. “Transport of Ions Across Cellular Membranes.”Physiol Rev.,29, 127–55.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bierman, A. Enzyme localization as a mechanism of apparent active transport. Bulletin of Mathematical Biophysics 15, 509–522 (1953). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02476439
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02476439