Theories of Ionic Channels 

 

Abstract

The patch clamp technique of Neher and Sakmann provides a method for measuring ionic currents through single protein molecules. These molecules are embedded in cell membranes and serve as channels for exchange of ions in and out of biological cells. They control many physiological functions such as nerve signaling, muscle contraction, hormonal action, and are directly involved in many diseases and drugs. Ionic channels exhibit nonlinear behavior in almost every aspect of their action: in current-concentration and current-voltage response, gating, coupling of fluxes, and so on. Some theories describing the motion of ions in a channel will be presented