Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Modeling Biological Membranes with Circuit Boards and Measuring Electrical Signals in Axons: Student Laboratory Exercises
Published on: January 18, 2011
Proposal of a new mechanism for the directional propagation of the action potential using a mimicking system
Y Takano1, O Shirai1, Y Kitazumi1
1Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan. shiraio@kais.kyoto-u.ac.jp.
Abstract:
A nerve conduction model is constructed by using some liquid-membrane cells that mimic the function of the K+ and Na+ channels. By imitating two types of Na+ channels (ligand-gated Na+ channels and voltage-gated Na+ channels), a new mechanism for the directional propagation of the action potential along the axon toward the axon terminal is proposed. When the nerve cell is excited by an external (outer) stimulus, it can be presumed that the ligand-gated channels work as power sources at the synapse to propagate the change in the membrane potential, and then the voltage-gated channels locally assist the propagation at each site of the axon (nodes of Ranvier).
Related Concept Videos
Propagation of Action Potentials
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
Action Potential
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Action Potential
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Action Potentials
Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
Generation of Action Potential in Skeletal Muscles
Like neurons, muscle cells are also regarded as excitable due to their capacity to change in response to stimuli, primarily due to voltage-gated ion channels embedded in their plasma membranes, which get activated by alterations in the...

