PS263 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Active Transport, Reference Electrode, Phosphide
Document Summary
Messages in a neuron develop from disturbances of the resting potential. The structure of the membrane and tis proteins controls the flow of chemicals between the inside and outside of the cell. When at rest, the membrane maintains an electrical gradient aka. Polarization: a difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of the cell. The neuron inside the membrane has a slightly negative electrical potential with respect to the outside, mainly because of negatively charged proteins inside the cell. This difference in voltage is called resting potential. Researchers measure the resting potential by inserting a very thin microelectrode into the cell body. The diameter of the electrode must be as small as possible so that it enters the cell without causing damage. The most common electrode is a fine glass tube filled with a salt solution, tapering to a tip diameter of 0. 0005 mm or less. A reference electrode outside the cell completes the circuit.
