The Nernst Equation: Using Physico-Chemical Laws to Steer Novel Experimental Design

Autor/inn/en	Hopper, Amy; Beswick-Jones, Hana; Brown, Angus M.
Titel	The Nernst Equation: Using Physico-Chemical Laws to Steer Novel Experimental Design
Quelle	In: Advances in Physiology Education, 46 (2022) 1, S.206-210 (5 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Brown, Angus M.)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1043-4046
Schlagwörter	Chemistry; Scientific Principles; Physiology; Equations (Mathematics); Science Experiments; Research Design; Neurosciences + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Chemie; Physiologie; Equations; Mathematics; Gleichungslehre; Forschungsdesign; Neuroscience; Neurowissenschaften; Neurowissenschaft
Abstract	The application of physico-chemical principles has been routinely used to explain various physiological concepts. The Nernst equation is one example of this, used to predict the potential difference created by the transmembrane ion gradient resulting from uneven ion distribution within cellular compartments and the interstitial space. This relationship remains of fundamental importance to the understanding of electrical signaling in the brain, which relies on current flow across cell membranes. We describe four distinct occasions when the Nernst equation was ingeniously applied in experimental design to illuminate diverse cellular functions, from the dependence of the action potential on Na[superscript +] influx to K[superscript +] buffering in astrocytes. These examples are discussed with the aim of inspiring students to appreciate how the application of seemingly textbook-bound concepts can dictate novel experimental design across physiological disciplines. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01