Transmembrane Potential

Transmembrane Potential: Fundamentals and Role in Living Organisms

Introduction:
Transmembrane potential is an electrical potential that occurs on the membrane of a cell or organelle and plays an important role in the functioning of living organisms. It arises due to the difference in ion concentrations on both sides of the membrane, as well as differences in the permeability of the membrane to various ions.

Transmembrane Potential Basics:
The transmembrane potential is formed as a result of the action of ion pumps, channels and transporters that regulate the movement of ions across the membrane. The main ions that influence the transmembrane potential are sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and chlorine (Cl-). The concentration gradients of these ions create a potential difference between the inside and outside of the membrane.

The role of the transmembrane potential in living organisms:

1. Electrical signaling: The transmembrane potential plays a key role in the transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system and muscles. Sodium and potassium ions play a particularly important role in the generation of real and pseudo-actual action potentials in neurons.

2. Transport of substances: The transmembrane potential provides energy for the active transport of various substances across the cell membrane. Ions, molecules and other substances can move across the membrane either along a concentration gradient or under the influence of electrical potential.

3. Regulation of cellular metabolism: Transmembrane potential plays a role in the regulation of cellular metabolism, as it influences the activity of many enzymes and transport systems within the cell. Changes in transmembrane potential can cause changes in cellular metabolism, secretion, and other important cellular processes.

4. Regulation of water balance: Transmembrane potential also influences the regulation of water balance in the cell. Ions moving across the membrane under the influence of the transmembrane potential create osmotic pressure, which affects the movement of water across the membrane.

Conclusion:
Transmembrane potential is an important physiological parameter that determines the functioning of cells and organisms. It provides electrical signaling, transport of substances, regulates cellular metabolism and water balance. Understanding the mechanisms of formation and regulation of the transmembrane potential is an important step in the study of biological processes and pathological conditions associated with its disorders. A deeper study of transmembrane potential opens up new opportunities for the development of drugs and therapeutic approaches aimed at normalizing its level and function in organisms.

Ссылки:

1. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002. Section 11.1, Membrane Potentials and Action Potentials. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26844/ ↗
2. Hille B. Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes. 3rd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. Chapter 2, Electrical Potentials and Their Gradient. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11147/ ↗
3. Boron WF, Boulpaep EL. Medical Physiology: A Cellular and Molecular Approach. Updated 2nd edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. Chapter 5, Generation and Conduction of Action Potentials. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10988/ ↗