What Happens When an Electric Field is Applied to a Live Cell?

In summary, when applying an electric field across a live cell, it is important to carefully control the strength and frequency in order to avoid damaging or killing the cells. This can be studied through experiments measuring the reproductivity rate and with the use of electrophysiological equipment. However, extreme electrical fields can lead to damage and loss of viability. Studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields on cells and animals have been conducted for many years, with about 8000 articles found on the topic through a PubMed search.
  • #1
karthik3k
149
0
What happens if one applies an electric field across a live cell ??
 
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  • #2
This would be a relatively easy experiment to try. One could measure the reproductivity rate vs electric field strength or frequency. I'm curious...
 
  • #3
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  • #4
is that the only effect due of field ??
 
  • #5
I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but electromagnetic fields and their potential effects on cells and whole animals have been studied for years. A PubMed search for "electromagnetic field" brings up about 8000 articles.

If you can refine your question to the strength of the electric field put across it, we may be able to better address the issue. Very small changes in electric potential are used regularly by cells to signal events such as nerve terminal depolarization. Such events can be re-created using electrophysiological equipment, then the processes can be studied under controlled conditions. Extreme electrical fields will do what you would expect and lead to damage and loss of viability.
 
  • #6
DocToxyn said:
Extreme electrical fields will do what you would expect and lead to damage and loss of viability.

Translated into English, that means you'll kill the cells if you zap them with too much electricity!
 
  • #7
Moonbear said:
Translated into English, that means you'll kill the cells if you zap them with too much electricity!

Sorry...I've been writing an article for publication all day. It's hard to get out of that mode.
 
  • #8
DocToxyn said:
Sorry...I've been writing an article for publication all day. It's hard to get out of that mode.

No problem. I should have tossed in a smiley to show it was meant in good humor. :biggrin: <-- There, now there's a smiley.
 

1. What is the relationship between cells and the electric field?

The electric field allows cells to communicate with each other and respond to their environment. Cells have electrically charged ions and proteins that can move in response to changes in the electric field, allowing for the transmission of signals between cells.

2. How do cells generate electric fields?

Cells have a specialized protein called ion channels that allow charged particles to flow in and out of the cell, creating an electric potential difference. This electric potential difference, or voltage, is what generates the electric field around the cell.

3. How do electric fields affect cell behavior?

Electric fields can influence cell behavior in various ways, such as directing cell migration, regulating cell growth and division, and promoting cell differentiation. Electric fields can also modulate the activity of specific proteins and signaling pathways within the cell.

4. Can changes in the electric field affect human health?

Yes, research has shown that disruptions in the electric fields within our body can lead to various health issues. For example, disruptions in the electric field of the heart can cause arrhythmia, while disruptions in the electric field of the brain can lead to seizures or neurological disorders.

5. How do scientists measure electric fields in cells?

There are various techniques used to measure electric fields in cells, such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, fluorescent imaging of voltage-sensitive dyes, and microelectrode arrays. These methods allow scientists to visualize and quantify the changes in electric fields within cells and tissues.

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