Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 5
Stochastic Modelling of Single
Ion Channels
Alan G. Hawkes
European Business Management School, University of Wales, Swansea, SA2 8PP,
U.K.
CONTENTS
5.1
Introduction
Biological cells are enclosed by a phospholipid bilayer, a few nanometres thick, that
is almost impermeable to water and water soluble molecules. Ion channels are pro-
teins embedded in the membrane that control the movement of ions across the mem-
brane. The channel protein, also a few nanometres wide, is arranged in a roughly
circular array that spans the membrane with a central aqueous pore that can open
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