Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 5.7
Membrane surface divided into finite areas showing two rows
of grid points.
finite area of the grid network were determined by calculating each
sub-area and assuming a total protein population. Although the
total protein population was not known, a value of 5
10
9
was
assumed using data from Darnell (1988). Hence the final results
were in terms of assumed concentrations. The asymmetry index is
unaffected, however, sinceit isa ratio ofconcentrations.
The E field problem to determine the tangential fields just
outside the membrane surface in response to an external field was
solved using the sub-division of the membrane surface, as shown in
Fig. 5.7. This was done using a stand-alone code DSPH3L (Fleming
1996).
×
5.6 Response of the Cell to an External E Field
The response of cells to electrical stimuli is a complex process that
is not yet completely understood either biologically or electrically.
Jaffe observed ionic currents near the growth tip region of the
seaweed
Fucus
(1979), demonstrating the existence of biogenic E
fields (Fig. 5.8a).
