Review Article, J Clin Exp Oncol S Vol: 0 Issue: 0
Ion Gradients and Electric Fields-An Intrinsic Part of Biological Processes
| Richard HW Funk1* and Thiede C2 | |
| 1Institute of Anatomy and Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fiedlerstr. 42 and Tatzberg, 01307 Dresden, Germany | |
| 2Department of Internal Medicine I. University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Fetscherstraße 74. 01307 Dresden, Germany | |
| Corresponding author : Richard HW Funk Institute of Anatomy and Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fiedlerstr. 42 and Tatzberg, 01307 Dresden, Germany Tel: +493514586110 E-mail: [email protected] |
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| Received: August 12, 2013 Accepted: January 20, 2014 Published: January 25, 2014 | |
| Citation: Funk RH and Thiede C (2014) Ion Gradients and Electric Fields-An Intrinsic Part of Biological Processes. J Clin Exp Oncol S1. doi:10.4172/2324-9110.S1-004 |
Abstract
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.
