Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

The patch-clamp technique is a laboratory method used to study the electrical currents of individual ions passing through ion channels in a cell membrane. Developed by Erwin Neher and Bert Sakmann, this technique uses a fine glass pipette to record these tiny electrical signals. Ion channels are crucial proteins that allow charged ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium to move in and out of cells, playing vital roles in processes such as nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and secretion. The patch-clamp method allows researchers to isolate and measure the activity of single ion channels, providing fundamental insights into cell biology and function.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. ion channel
  2. Erwin Neher

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.