Main description:

This textbook presents a broad overview of topics concerning cellular electrophysiology - covering topics ranging from bioelectric phenomena recognized as far back as ancient Egypt to popular topics on the dangers of electrosmog. Without sacrificing scientific precision, this clear and concise work presents on the one hand the different methods and applications, on the other hand the biophysical fundamentals of ion-channel and carrier proteins. Numerous and carefully selected illustrations and diagrams supplement the text, while questions at the end of each chapter allow readers to test their understanding. Each section also includes references to relevant original literature for further reading. The book offers a valuable resource for students of biology, chemistry and physics with a special interest in biophysics.

Contents:

Chapter 11 Introduction1.1 INTRODUCTORY OVERVIEW1.2 HISTORY OF ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
Chapter 22 Basics: Theory2.1 ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANES 2.2 ION DISTRIBUTION AT BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANES 2.3 DONNAN DISTRIBUTION AND NERNST EQUATION 2.4 GOLDMAN-HODGKIN-KATZ EQUATION
Chapter 3 3. Basics: Methods 3.1 RECORDING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS FROM BODY SURFACE 3.2 THE EXAMPLE (ECG) 3.3 RECORDING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS FROM TISSUE 3.4 RECORDING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS FROM SINGLE CELLS 3.5 APPLICATION OF THE VOLTAGE-CLAMP TECHNIQUE 3.6 THE PATCH-CLAMP TECHNIQUE
Chapter 4 4 Automated Electrophysiology 4.1 AUTOMATED TWO-ELECTRODE VOLTAGE CLAMP 4.2 AUTOMATED PATCH CLAMP
Chapter 5 5 Ion-selective Channels 5.1 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ION CHANNELS 5.2 SPECIFIC ION CHANNELS
Chapter 6 6 Theory of Excitability 6.1 THE HODGKIN-HUXLEY DESCRIPTION OF EXCITATION 6.2 CONTINUOUS AND SALTATORY CONDUCTION OF ACTION POTENTIALS 6.3 GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION OF ACTION POTENTIALS 6.4 SUMMARY OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF POTENTIALS 6.5 ACTION POTENTIAL IN NON-NERVE CELLS
Chapter 7 7 Carrier-mediated Transport 7.1 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CARRIERS 7.2 CARRIERS ARE LIKE CHANNELS WITH ALTERNATING GATES
Chapter 8 8 Examples of Application of Electrophysiology 8.1 STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELATIONSHIPS OF CARRIER PROTEINS 8.2 STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELATIONSHIPS OF ION CHANNELS 8.3 VIRAL ION CHANNELS
Appendix A1. THE GRAPH THEORY A2. INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL ELECTRICAL AND MAGNETIC FIELDS A2.1. MAGNETOSTATIC FIELDS A3. A LABORATORY COURSE:
Important Physical Units List of Symbols and Abbreviations Index