- #1
karthik3k
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What happens if one applies an electric field across a live cell ??
What Happens When an Electric Field is Applied to a Live Cell?
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- Cell Electric Electric field Field
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the effects of applying an electric field to a live cell, exploring both experimental approaches and theoretical implications. It touches on concepts such as electroporation and the biological responses of cells to electric fields, including potential damage and viability concerns.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests conducting an experiment to measure the reproductive rate of cells in relation to electric field strength or frequency.
- Another participant introduces the concept of electroporation as a relevant phenomenon when discussing electric fields applied to live cells.
- A participant mentions that electromagnetic fields have been extensively studied, referencing a large number of articles on the topic and suggesting that the effects may depend on the strength of the electric field.
- It is noted that very small changes in electric potential are used by cells for signaling, while extreme electrical fields can lead to cell damage and loss of viability.
- There is a humorous exchange regarding the implications of applying excessive electricity to cells, with a participant reiterating that high electric fields will kill the cells.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying views on the effects of electric fields on live cells, with some focusing on experimental possibilities and others on theoretical implications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the full range of effects and conditions under which they occur.
Contextual Notes
Participants indicate that the effects of electric fields may depend on specific parameters such as field strength and frequency, but these factors are not fully explored in the discussion.
- #2
Gonzolo
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
iansmith
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Ever heared of electroporation
http://opbs.okstate.edu/~melcher/MG/MGW4/MG431.html
http://www-fp.mcs.anl.gov/ccst/research/reports_pre1998/comp_bio/electroporation/
http://opbs.okstate.edu/~melcher/MG/MGW4/MG431.html
http://www-fp.mcs.anl.gov/ccst/research/reports_pre1998/comp_bio/electroporation/
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- #4
karthik3k
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is that the only effect due of field ??
- #5
DocToxyn
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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.
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
Moonbear
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DocToxyn said:
Translated into English, that means you'll kill the cells if you zap them with too much electricity!
- #7
DocToxyn
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Moonbear said:
Sorry...I've been writing an article for publication all day. It's hard to get out of that mode.
- #8
Moonbear
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DocToxyn said:
No problem. I should have tossed in a smiley to show it was meant in good humor.
<-- There, now there's a smiley.Similar threads
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