Abstract:A model is proposed for generation and propagation of the action potential in axon membranes based on the concept of a ferroelectric first-order phase transition. The model modifies Leuchtag's hypothesis of the ferroelectric origin of the gating mechanism in sodium ion channels in order to use it for the action potential propagation. The model implies that the membrane conformational change leading to the voltage-gated channel opening is driven by the piezoelectric effect providing the change of membrane polar… Show more
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