Ion And Molecule Transport In Membrane Systems

Membranes play an enormous role in our life. Biological cell membranes control the fluxes of substances in and out of cells. Artificial membranes are widely used in numerous applications including “green” separation processes in chemistry, agroindustry, biology, medicine; they are used as well in energy generation from renewable sources. They largely mimic the structure and functions of biological membranes. The similarity in the structure leads to the similarity in the properties and the approaches to study the laws governing the behavior of both biological and artificial membranes. In this book, some physico-chemical and chemico-physical aspects of the structure and behavior of biological and artificial membranes are investigated.

Membranes play an enormous role in our life. Biological cell membranes control the fluxes of substances in and out of cells. Artificial membranes are widely used in numerous applications including “green” separation processes in chemistry, agroindustry, biology, medicine; they are used as well in energy generation from renewable sources. They largely mimic the structure and functions of biological membranes. The similarity in the structure leads to the similarity in the properties and the approaches to study the laws governing the behavior of both biological and artificial membranes. In this book, some physico-chemical and chemico-physical aspects of the structure and behavior of biological and artificial membranes are investigated.

Transport and Diffusion across Cell Membranes is a comprehensive treatment of the transport and diffusion of molecules and ions across cell membranes. This book shows that the same kinetic equations (with appropriate modification) can describe all the specialized membrane transport systems: the pores, the carriers, and the two classes of pumps. The kinetic formalism is developed step by step and the features that make a system effective in carrying out its biological role are highlighted. This book is organized into six chapters and begins with an introduction to the structure and dynamics of cell membranes, followed by a discussion on how the membrane acts as a barrier to the transmembrane diffusion of molecules and ions. The following chapters focus on the role of the membrane's protein components in facilitating transmembrane diffusion of specific molecules and ions, measurements of diffusion through pores and the kinetics of diffusion, and the structure of such pores and their biological regulation. This book methodically introduces the reader to the carriers of cell membranes, the kinetics of facilitated diffusion, and cotransport systems. The primary active transport systems are considered, emphasizing the pumping of an ion (sodium, potassium, calcium, or proton) against its electrochemical gradient during the coupled progress of a chemical reaction while a conformational change of the pump enzyme takes place. This book is of interest to advanced undergraduate students, as well as to graduate students and researchers in biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and biophysics.

This interesting work extensively describes newer applications of liquid membrane systems which contain molecular and/or ion recognizing carrier compounds and the related characteristic membrane materials. This volume focuses on the current knowledge about chemistry, biology and related technology of liquid membranes. It reviews the most recent advances in design and characteristics of synthetic liquid membrane transport. Additionally, this fascinating reference discusses up-to-date topics in the analytical and separation science, plus biomimetic membrane technology. Because this book is presented in a compact, understandable format, readers can start from biological cell membranes, then net aspects of host-guest chemistry for effective recognition of ions and molecules, followed by its application for artificial sensors-such as neuro-systems, functionalized new detergents, mechanochemical systems, and separation chemistry. This publication is ideal for graduate-level students and will stimulate university and industry researchers.

Concepts of Biology is designed for the single-semester introduction to biology course for non-science majors, which for many students is their only college-level science course. As such, this course represents an important opportunity for students to develop the necessary knowledge, tools, and skills to make informed decisions as they continue with their lives. Rather than being mired down with facts and vocabulary, the typical non-science major student needs information presented in a way that is easy to read and understand. Even more importantly, the content should be meaningful. Students do much better when they understand why biology is relevant to their everyday lives. For these reasons, Concepts of Biology is grounded on an evolutionary basis and includes exciting features that highlight careers in the biological sciences and everyday applications of the concepts at hand.We also strive to show the interconnectedness of topics within this extremely broad discipline. In order to meet the needs of today's instructors and students, we maintain the overall organization and coverage found in most syllabi for this course. A strength of Concepts of Biology is that instructors can customize the book, adapting it to the approach that works best in their classroom. Concepts of Biology also includes an innovative art program that incorporates critical thinking and clicker questions to help students understand--and apply--key concepts.

Ion Transport Across Membranes focuses on the process of ion transport across cell membranes, including ion permeability, biological membranes, and thermodynamics. The selection first offers information on ion transport across biological membranes and electrical processes in nerve conduction. Topics include diffusion through biological membranes, active transport, voltage-current relations in the membrane, myelinated nerve fibers, and sequence of events in a nerve impulse. The text then ponders on generation of bioelectric potentials and optical observations on the interaction between acetyl cholinesterase and its substrate. The publication takes a look at ion permeability of the red cell and renal mechanisms of electrolyte transport. The text also tackles membrane permeability and electrical potential; transport of ions through biological membranes from the standpoint of irreversible thermodynamics; and electrochemical studies with model membranes. Topics include membranes of high electrochemical activity in physicochemical and model studies of biological interest and membrane resting potential. The selection is a vital reference for readers interested in ion transport across membranes.