Introduction to Membrane Biophysics

Abstract

In this book we will be describing the behavior of excitable cells, notably nerve and muscle, both descriptively and quantitatively. Excitable cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane whose main function is to control the passage of substances (ions and molecules) into and out of the cell. The cellular electrical properties derive from the membrane’s ionic behavior. The membrane is about 75 Å thick. Since this thickness is normally much less than other dimensions of interest, usually the membrane can be considered as an interface (from an electrical source-field standpoint).