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Inhibition of electrogenic transport associated with the action potential inChara

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Summary

The membrane conductance and potential difference (PD) ofChara were measured as a function of the time elapsed since initiation of an action potential. The usual large conductance increase associated with the action potential was observed. The conductance measured several seconds later, however, was found to be significantly decreased relative to its value prior to initiation of the action potential. This decrease in conductance was only temporary, and after several minutes the conductance eventually regained its original value. The magnitude of this conductance decrease was enhanced by increased hyperpolarization of the resting membrane PD prior to the action potential, and diminished by depolarization. This was checked by varying the external pH and illumination, and by the addition of sodium azide. A plausible explanation is that the decrease in conductance is a consequence of inhibition of the electrogenic proton pump. If this inhibition is complete, then the pump conductance for illuminated cells at pH 5.5 is 0.37±0.04 S/m2, or about 20% of the resting membrane conductance.

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  1. Mary J. Beilby

    Present address: Botany School, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EA, Cambridge, England

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biophysics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney A12, 2006, New South Wales, Australia

    J. R. Smith & Mary J. Beilby

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Smith, J.R., Beilby, M.J. Inhibition of electrogenic transport associated with the action potential inChara . J. Membrain Biol. 71, 131–140 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01870681

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01870681

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