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Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
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Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
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The fact that emfs are induced in circuits implies that work is being done on the conduction electrons in the wires. What can possibly be the source of this work? We know that it’s neither a battery nor a magnetic field, as a battery does not have to be present in a circuit where current is induced, and magnetic fields never do any work on moving charges. The source of the work is in fact an electric field that is induced in the wires. For example, if a stationary conductor is placed in a...
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A conductor needs to be a component of a path that creates a closed loop or full circuit to have a continuous current flowing through it. A current starts to flow if an electric field is created inside an isolated conductor that is not part of a full circuit. The conductor quickly develops a net positive charge at one end and a net negative charge at the other. These charges generate an electric field opposite the direction of the applied electric field, which reduces the current. Eventually,...
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In a galvanic cell, the electrical work is done by a redox system on its surroundings as electrons produced by the spontaneous redox reactions are transferred through an external circuit. Alternatively, an external circuit does work on a redox system by imposing a voltage sufficient to drive an otherwise nonspontaneous reaction in a process known as electrolysis. For instance, recharging a battery involves the use of an external power source to drive the spontaneous (discharge) cell reaction in...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Silencing the Spark: CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing in Weakly Electric Fish
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Electric Eels Wield a Functional Venom Analogue.

Kenneth C Catania1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B, P.O. Box 35-1634, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.

Toxins
|January 13, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Electric eels use high-voltage electrical pulses to paralyze prey, similar to venom. This electrical "poisoning" immobilizes prey muscles by activating motor neurons, preventing escape and aiding ingestion.

Keywords:
efferentelectric organelectricalescapeevolutionmusclepredatorpreyvenom

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Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Neurobiology
  • Bioelectricity

Background:

  • Electric eels ( *Electrophorus electricus* ) possess a unique predatory strategy involving high-voltage electrical discharges.
  • This ability is comparable to venomous animals that disrupt prey's neuromuscular junction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the analogy between electric eel electrocution and venom-based prey paralysis.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which electric eels utilize electrical pulses to immobilize prey.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of electric eel predatory behavior, particularly high-voltage pulse generation.
  • Examination of the eel's ability to activate prey motor neuron efferents.
  • Observation of behavioral adaptations, such as body curling, to enhance electrical field strength.

Main Results:

  • Electric eels deliver high-voltage pulses to induce muscle tetanus and prevent prey escape.
  • Body curling significantly amplifies the electric field within prey, maximizing motor neuron stimulation.
  • Repeated high-frequency pulses (approx. 100 Hz) induce muscle fatigue, immobilizing prey for consumption.

Conclusions:

  • The evolution of powerful electrical discharges allows electric eels to remotely activate ion channels in prey.
  • Electric eel behaviors functionally mimic venom by "poisoning" prey muscles through electrical means.
  • This strategy ensures prey capture and consumption, even for large or difficult prey.