Water, ions, membranes, pumps, and transporters

Abstract

The use of electrical energy for the purpose of generating and integrating meaningful signals is a core property of the nervous system. This biological electricity derives from the fundamental properties of ions in the water-based solutions inside and outside of living cells. Cells actively control their intracellular composition and therefore also control their intrinsic electrical properties. This chapter covers the basis for biological electrical signals in regard to the physiochemical properties of ions in solution, the proteins that control the ionic composition of intracellular solutions, and the passive electrical properties of cell membranes.