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Membrane potential and active transport--an information theory approach
Physiological Chemistry and Physics
|January 1, 1979
Summary
This study proposes a novel mechanism for membrane potential stabilization, suggesting active transport systems act as information-processing Maxwell demons. This resolves the energy paradox by equating information with entropy, explaining cellular ion dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cellular Physiology
- Theoretical Biology
Background:
- Cellular membrane potential is crucial for physiological functions.
- Active transport systems maintain ion gradients but appear to defy the second law of thermodynamics.
- Understanding these systems is key to cellular energy dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a mechanism for membrane potential stabilization.
- To model active transport systems using principles of information theory.
- To investigate the non-steady ionic state of muscle cells.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of membrane permeability control.
- Application of the concept of information as entropy to active transport.
- Deduction of ionic states based on proposed mechanisms.
Main Results:
- A potential sensor model for controlling membrane permeability is proposed.
- Active transport is conceptualized as an information-driven Maxwell demon.
- A theoretical framework resolves the energy paradox in active transport.
- The non-steady ionic state of muscle cells is deduced.
Conclusions:
- Information-theoretic principles can explain active transport without apparent energy input.
- The proposed model provides a new perspective on membrane potential stabilization.
- Ionic concentration and cellular condition are linked through the proposed mechanism.