Patch clamp techniques: Difference between revisions
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The patch clamp is a laboratory technique used to observe the activity of [[ion|ion]] movement in a single [[cell|cell]]. It is particularly used to monitor ion channels in [[Electrically exciteable cells|excitable cells]] such as [[Neuron|neurons]] and [[Muscle|muscle fibres]]. It requires the use of a micropipette which is held tightly onto an isolated patch of [[Cell membrane|cell membrane]] and an electrode which is securely positioned onto the surface of the [[cell membrane|cell membrane]]. It is important to note that the interior if the pipette is filled with an equimolar solution to the bath. Suction is applied to create high resistance between the pipette and cell membrane. This is known as a "[[Gigaohm seal|Gigaohm seal]]". This high resistance seal makes it possible to electronically isolate the currents measured across the patch of membrance. | |||
The patch clamp is a laboratory technique used to observe the activity of ion movement in a single cell. It is particularly used to monitor ion channels in [[ | |||
Latest revision as of 17:58, 21 October 2012
The patch clamp is a laboratory technique used to observe the activity of ion movement in a single cell. It is particularly used to monitor ion channels in excitable cells such as neurons and muscle fibres. It requires the use of a micropipette which is held tightly onto an isolated patch of cell membrane and an electrode which is securely positioned onto the surface of the cell membrane. It is important to note that the interior if the pipette is filled with an equimolar solution to the bath. Suction is applied to create high resistance between the pipette and cell membrane. This is known as a "Gigaohm seal". This high resistance seal makes it possible to electronically isolate the currents measured across the patch of membrance.