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Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: scientizscht on 03/05/2020 13:20:49

Title: Do proton pumps in cells result in the creation of a charge?
Post by: scientizscht on 03/05/2020 13:20:49

Hello

Cells have proton pumps which pump in/out protons. I assume this results at a pH change but does this also create a charge across the membrane? Or non-proton ions are only capable to create a charge?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Do proton pumps in cells result in the creation of a charge?
Post by: chris on 05/05/2020 09:48:27

Yes; the proton pump on the mitochondrial membrane leads to a potential difference of about 0.2v across the membrane. The flow of protons down the concentration gradient through the ATPase drives creation of ATP.

Title: Re: Do proton pumps in cells result in the creation of a charge?
Post by: evan_au on 05/05/2020 12:38:56

Similarly, sodium and potassium channels in the cell membrane also transport charged ions in and out of nerve cells.
This produces a time-varying voltage across the cell membrane in nerves and muscles.
See: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerve_impulse