Calcium current to amount of substance units (mol)

In summary, the conversation discusses a differential equation involving two terms: one converting Ca2+ current to mol units and another involving various variables such as valence, cell radius, Faraday's constant, and current or density of current. The equation also includes a rate and concentration with specific units. The conversation ends with a request for context regarding the equation.
  • #1
gjfelix2001
19
0
Hi there... I have a differential equation with to terms:

[tex]\frac{d[Ca2+]}{dt}=f\Big(\frac{3I_{Ca}}{z 4 \pi r^3 F}-k_{Ca}[Ca2+]\Big)[/tex]


I think that the first term converts the Ca2+ (density of?) current to mol units. But, where does it comes from?

[tex]z[/tex] is the valence; in this case of the Ca2+, [tex]r[/tex] is the radius of a cell, [tex]F[/tex] is the Faraday's constant, and [tex]I_{Ca}[/tex] is a Ca2+ current, or may be density of current. [tex]k_{Ca}[/tex] is a rate with [tex]ms^{-1}[/tex] units, and [tex][Ca2+][/tex] is a concentration with mol units... In this case, r is the radius of a cell...

Thanks a lot...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Any context to that question? It is even hard to start thinking over some equation coming out of a blue.
 

1. What is calcium current and how is it measured?

Calcium current refers to the flow of positively charged calcium ions (Ca2+) across a cell membrane. It is measured using electrophysiology techniques, such as patch clamp recordings, which allow for the detection and quantification of ion currents in cells.

2. What are the units used to measure calcium current?

The units used to measure calcium current are typically picoamperes (pA) or femtoamperes (fA), as it is a measure of electrical current. However, it can also be expressed in terms of conductance (siemens, S) or permeability (cm/s).

3. How is calcium current related to the amount of substance?

Calcium current is directly proportional to the amount of calcium ions that flow through the cell membrane. The amount of substance is typically measured in moles (mol) and can be calculated by multiplying the current (in amperes, A) by the time (in seconds, s).

4. Why is it important to measure calcium current in research?

Calcium current plays a crucial role in many physiological processes, including muscle contraction, neuronal signaling, and hormone secretion. Measuring calcium current can help researchers better understand these processes and their dysregulation in diseases.

5. How can calcium current be modulated or controlled?

Calcium current can be modulated or controlled by various factors, such as changes in membrane potential, signaling molecules, and drugs. For example, certain medications may block or enhance calcium current, leading to therapeutic effects in diseases such as hypertension and arrhythmias.

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
677
Replies
4
Views
281
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
16K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
278
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
148
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • Mechanics
Replies
20
Views
930
Back
Top