The Journal of Membrane Biology

, Volume 43, Issue 2–3, pp 149–167 | Cite as

Quantitative analysis of activation and inactivation of asymmetry currents in biological membranes, based on a conformational transition model

  • Gerhard Schwarz
Article

Summary

A basic voltage-dependent conformational transition mechanism is proposed. It comprises one relatively fast conversion between two individual states which are comparatively slowly coupled with a third state. Having introduced voltage as an additional parameter of state, standard methods of thermodynamics and rate theory are employed to describe the equilibrium and kinetic behavior of the system. In particular, a quantitative discussion is given regarding the asymmetrical displacement currents generated by switching on and off a voltage pulse. Effects of temperature pulse duration, and application of a conditioning prepulse are examined. The results provide a comprehensive basis for a quantitative analysis of pertinent experimental work. The so far presented measuring data can indeed be very well described along these lines.

Keywords

Pulse Duration Voltage Pulse Biological Membrane Individual State Transition Model 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 1978

Authors and Affiliations

  • Gerhard Schwarz
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Biophysical ChemistryBiocenter of the University of BaselBaselSwitzerland

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