HOME

Class Schedule

 

Bioen 599 F, Autumn 2000 Bioengineering Principles of Physiology

Lecture Material and Notes

Week 6, Lecture 17: Membranes in biological systems
Michael Regnier

Lecture theme and outline: Membranes are selectively permeable because of their lipid bilayer structure and membrane spanning proteins. Membrane proteins include channels, pumps and pores that allow passage of materials needed in the cell via concentration gradients and difussion. Ion composition of the intracellular vs. extracellular enviornment of both excitable and non-excitable cells allows the establishment of membrane potential (Vm). Cells can be considered like batteries, with a source of potential energy that will can be used to transduce information. The Nearnst Potential for individual ions describes a potential energy source for ionic movements and establishment of membrane potential (Vm).

Reading:

  1. Molecular Biology of the Cell. - Ch. 11 pp.507-535
  2. Patton et al., eds. Textbook of Physiology - Ch. 1. Membranes and Ions. (Handout)

 BACK TO TOP

 Last Updated:
XX/XX/XX

Contact the instructor at: mregnier@u.washington.edu