The Molecular Properties and Evolution of Excitable Cells

International Series of Monographs in Pure and Applied Biology

C. J. Duncan, G.A. Kerkut

• Publisher: Pergamon
• Year: 2013
• ISBN:
  9781483150284
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Zoology
• Index: Biological Sciences

The Molecular Properties and Evolution of Excitable Cells describes the theoretical aspects in which excitable cells, such as nerves, muscles, and sense organs, operate. This book develops a hypothesis regarding the evolution and characteristics of excitable cells. This monograph focuses on the properties of the bounding membrane and its complex permeability system, which starts the excitation state. Sense organs, as the input component in both vertebrates and invertebrates, are then discussed. The text then briefly describes the ways that the ionic permeability of the excitable membrane can both be modified and controlled. The book points out that since ions pass through standard sizes of the pores in an excitable membrane, their passage is determined by the dimensions of the pore and by the existing charge found on its walls. The book then explains the application of a mechanical stimulus to a mechanoreceptor that will cause deformations in the membrane. This deformation leads to enzyme activity and produces alteration in the rate at which ATP is supplied to the lateral borders of the cell. The text discusses a hypothesis that invokes enzyme activity by propagating action potential along the axon, and other input systems, such as adrenaline, amino acids, and y-amino-butyric acid (GABA). The book also explains the hypothesis that living organisms are composed of an ordered system of protein-enzymes forming on phospholipid-protein membranes. This monograph will benefit microbiologists, biotechnologists, and academicians connected with the biological sciences.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• The Molecular Properties and Evolution of Excitable Cells
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Dedication
• PREFACE
• CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
• CHAPTER 2. A MODEL FOR EXCITABLE CELLS
• CHAPTER 3. THE INPUT COMPONENT:SENSE ORGANS
• CHAPTER 4. THE CONTROL OF CATION-PERMEABILITY AT INPUT COMPONENTS
• CHAPTER 5. THE TRANSDUCER MECHANISMS OF SPECIALIZED SENSORY RECEPTORS
• CHAPTER 6. THE INPUT COMPONENT:THE POSTSYNAPTIC MEMBRANE
• CHAPTER 7. CHOLINESTERASES
• CHAPTER 8. OTHER INPUT SYSTEMS
• CHAPTER 9. COMPARISON BETWEEN THE INPUT AND CONDUCTILE COMPONENTS
• CHAPTER 10. SODIUM PERMEABILITY AND THE EXCITATION OF THE CONDUCTILE AXON
• CHAPTER 11. THE OUTPUT COMPONENT:RELEASE OF SYNAPTIC TRANSMITTERS
• CHAPTER 12. FEEDBACK AT OUTPUT COMPONENTS
• CHAPTER 13. NISSL SUBSTANCE-AND MEMORY?
• CHAPTER 14. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
• REFERENCES
• ADDENDUM
• REFERENCES FOR ADDENDUM
• AUTHOR INDEX
• SUBJECT INDEX
• OTHER TITLES IN THE ZOOLOGY DIVISION
• OTHER DIVISIONS IN THE SERIES IN PURE AND APPLIED BIOLOGY