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Membrane potentials inStentor coeruleus

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Summary

The membrane potential ofStentor coeruleus was measured by means of glass microelectrodes. The tips of the electrodes had a diameter of 2 μ, and were filled with 0.1 M KCl. The maximum value of the potential is −30.8±8.6 mV and is reached within 600–800 msec after electrode insertion; the potential then decreases to a negative value of a few mV within 5–10 sec. Contraction initiated by mechanical stimulation or by rapid cooling is correlated with a positive potential jump of about 3–5 mV. Similarly, a fully reversible potential shift develops in close correlation to the reversal of ciliary beat in oral membranelles.

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  1. Dieter Mergenhagen

    Present address: Max-Planck-Institut für Zellbiologie, Abteilung Schweiger, Wilhelmshaven, BRD

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    1. Dieter Mergenhagen
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    Mergenhagen, D. Membrane potentials inStentor coeruleus . Protoplasma 72, 359–365 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01289508

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01289508

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