Main description:

An introduction to the principles of membrane transport: How molecules and ions move across the cell membrane by simple diffusion and by making use of specialized membrane components (channels, carriers, and pumps). The text emphasizes the quantitative aspects of such movement and its interpretation in terms of transport kinetics. Molecular studies of channels, carriers, and pumps are described in detail as well as structural principles and the fundamental similarities between the various transporters and their evolutionary interrelationships. The regulation of transporters and their role in health and disease are also considered.

Contents:

Chapters Structural Basis of Movement Across Cell Membranes Simple Diffusion of Nonelectrolytes and Ions Ion Channels Across Cell Membranes Carrier-Mediated Transport: Facilitated Diffusion Coupling of Flows of Substrates: Antiporters and Symporters Primary Active Transport Systems The Regulation and Integration of Transport Systems Appendices Single and Triple-Letter Codes for the Amino Acids Fundamental Constants, Conversion Factors, and Some Useful Approximations The Relation between the Permeability Coefficient Ps and the Half-Time t1/2 of Entry of a Permeant