Membrane Structure and

Function
Section2-Membrane Structure and Function
Lecture V- Membrane Physiology

Dr. Mirvat El-Sibai

channels cooperate in living
systems
Epithelial transport
 Glucose transport

- Tight junctions restrict

movement of glucose between
cells
-Na+/glucose symporters on the
apical membrane remove glucose
from the gut up its
electrochemical gradient
- On the basolateral side, GLUT
uniporter transports glucose down
its concentration gradient to the
blood
 Excitable membranes
If the plasma membrane of an excitable cell, such
as nerve or muscle, is depolarized beyond a
certain level, called a threshold, the membrane
respond with a change in membrane potential
called action potential
 Excitable membranes

Voltage-gated ion channels

generate an action
potential. During an action
potential, the membrane
potential can reach a peak
of + 40 to 50 mV
 Excitable membranes

The action potential travels rapidly (10m/sec)

 Excitable membranes
- An initial depolarization comes
from the neurotransmitter
- This triggers an action potential
1- At rest, the membrane resting
potential is near -70 mV,
maintained by K+ leak channels
2- When PM depolarizes, K+ leak
channels close and voltage-Na+
channels open. The membrane
potential goes towards the Na+
resting potential (Na+ moves
inward)
 Excitable membranes

3- Na+ inactivate and slowly

responding delayed K+ rectifiers
open. K+ moves out and the PM
repolarizes.
4- Delayed K+ rectifiers close and
K+-selective leak channels open