Electric Eel: How it Creates Shock of Up to 600V

[Rafique Mir]

When eel fish senses danger, it turns itself into a living battery, Any one who attacks this fish is likely to get a shock. The potential differnece between head and tail of of an electric eel can be up to 600V. My question is what is mechanism inside eel fish due to which it creates shuch a huge P.D between its head and tail. Any one who can answer it.

 

[cronxeh]

http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/webprojects2001/riis/electriceel3.htm

 

[ravenprp]

The mechanism behind an electric eel's ability to create such a high potential difference between its head and tail is actually quite fascinating. Electric eels have specialized cells called electrocytes, which are stacked like batteries in their bodies. These cells are capable of producing electricity through a process called electrogenesis.

When the eel feels threatened, it sends a signal to its electrocytes to release a burst of electricity. This is similar to how our muscles contract when we move, except in this case, the electrocytes contract to produce an electrical current. The more electrocytes that are activated, the higher the potential difference between the head and tail of the eel.

Furthermore, the electric eel's nervous system is also adapted to control this electricity. It has specialized nerves that can sense and regulate the amount of electricity being produced, allowing the eel to deliver a precise shock to its prey or predator.

Overall, the electric eel's ability to create such a high potential difference between its head and tail is a combination of its unique anatomy and specialized nervous system. It is truly a remarkable adaptation that allows the eel to defend itself and hunt in its aquatic environment.