ELM5: Electrochemical gradients Flashcards
Why do aqueous molecules move around constantly?
Thermal agitation
What is the average distance between water molecules?
2.8A
What are the components of Fick’s Law?
The Number of molecules moving across an interface is proportional to the
Area of the interface and the concentration gradient
What did Einstein discover about diffusion?
Diffusion is due to random walk of molecules
Molecules will move further if they move in 3 dimensions as they bump into each other less
What is electrophoretic movement of ions?
Influence on movement of ions similar to diffusion
How does the electrophoretic movement of ions work?
Ions put in presence of electrical field
Move in regards to the field
Positive ions will move to negative region
What is electrophoresis?
The movement of ions under the influence of an electric field
How do diffusion and electrophoretic movement interact to form the total gradient?
Total gradient = Gradient caused by diffusion - Gradient caused by electrophoretic movement
How does electrophoretic movement impact diffusion?
Can either intensify or subtract from the direction of diffusion
What are some features determining the rate of diffusion?
Size of electrochemical gradient
Nature of ion
Number of ion channels
Properties of ion channel
What is the current?
The flow of ions
What is the voltage?
Potential difference Gradient between the two compartments
What is resistance?
Width of the path between two compartments
What is Ohms law?
Current = volts / resistance
What is the formula to work out conductance?
Currents / Volts
