Oscillation of electrical potential in a porous membrane doped with glycerol alpha-monooleate induced by an Na+/K+ concentration gradient.
The electrical potential across a fine-pore membrane doped with glycerol alpha-monooleate and separating aqueous solutions of 0.5 M NaCl and 0.5 M KCl was studied. It was found that this system showed rhythmic and sustained oscillations of electrical potential. These oscillations may be due to the phase transition of glycerol alpha-monooleate molecules within the fine pores. In relation to this, it is shown here that Na+ and K+ have different effects on the aggregation of glycerol alpha-monooleate. This oscillatory phenomenon is very interesting because in biological nervous membrane an Na+/K+ concentration difference across the membrane is essential for excitability.
D005989:Glycerides; D007700:Kinetics; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008954:Models, Biological; D011188:Potassium; D012964:Sodium
D005989:Glycerides; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012964:Sodium; C005953:monoolein; D011188:Potassium