జర్నల్ ఆఫ్ క్లినికల్ & ఎక్స్‌పెరిమెంటల్ ఆంకాలజీ

Ion Gradients and Electric Fields-An Intrinsic Part of Biological Processes

Richard HW Funk and Thiede C

Ion Gradients and Electric Fields-An Intrinsic Part of Biological Processes

This review focuses on membrane potentials as well as ion gradients and electric fields that drive cell and tissue behavior - basic biological mechanisms that are also involved in tumorigenesis and the development of cancer. Electric fields arise from the segregation of charges by special molecular machines situated within the plasma membrane of the cell. These molecular machines create patterns of ion gradients that direct many processes in cells, tissues and even organs. Also larger biomolecules such as tissue factors, growth hormones, transmitters and signaling molecules have intrinsic electrical charges and can be driven by their gradients, creating a direct link to well-known biological processes.