A. Fulinski, KINETICS OF ACTIVE-TRANSPORT IN BIOLOGICAL-MEMBRANES - ROLE OF BARRIER FLUCTUATIONS, Polish Journal of Chemistry, 71(12), 1997, pp. 1680-1698
The role of barrier fluctuations in the membrane enzymatic processes,
among others in the active transport of ions through cell membranes is
examined. Membrane electric potential plays the role of a barrier hei
ght (activation energy)for enzymes embedded in the cell membrane. This
barrier height can be modulated either by internal fluctuations at by
superimposed from without external electrical fields, either random o
r periodic. Measurements of the changes in reaction yield, or in ionic
currents, governed by these enzymes (ionic pumps) can be used as tool
s for determining the parameters describing enzymatic action. Barrier
fluctuations can change considerably the yield, including the inversio
n of the direction of transmembrane currents.