The excitable membrane-biophysical theory and experiment

Very different biophysical theories can lead to similar or even identical predictions for a wide range of experiments. This was true for the original Rashevsky theory of membrane excitation, and the later Hill formulation. Similarly, the Hodgkin-Huxley equations for membrane current are based on two...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bulletin of mathematical biology 1973-02, Vol.35, p.101-107
Main Author: Offner, Franklin F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Very different biophysical theories can lead to similar or even identical predictions for a wide range of experiments. This was true for the original Rashevsky theory of membrane excitation, and the later Hill formulation. Similarly, the Hodgkin-Huxley equations for membrane current are based on two postulates: current proportional to total thermodynamic potential difference across the membrane, and the independence principle. Experiments used to confirm these postulates can be predicted as well by a model in which neither postulate applies.
ISSN:0092-8240
1522-9602
DOI:10.1016/S0092-8240(73)80013-8