Pumps, Channels And Transporters: Methods Of Functional Analysis

The members of the Analytical Science community and users of analytical tools are now becoming more involved in biological issues by developing new methodologies to study complex biochemical problems such as how ions traverse membranes. These methodologies include the use of spectroscopic, electrochemical and radioactivity-based techniques along with some new cutting edge technologies, based on the observation of single molecules. This book describes these experimental methods for investigating the function of pumps, channels and transporters.

The book is divided into four parts; the first is an introduction on the history of ion channels, pumps and transporters, their basic features and biological roles. The second part, Electrical Techniques, describes techniques taking advantage of the fact that ion channels, pumps and transporters produce an electrical current which can be detected with highly sensitive instruments. Next, Spectroscopic Techniques, details the use of light to probe the macromolecular nature of ion channels, pumps and transporters. Finally the book covers techniques which don’t fall into either the electrical or spectroscopic category, i.e., radioactivity-based techniques as well as theoretical simulations.