Understanding Whole Cell Patch Clamp

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In summary, the technique of whole cell patch-clamp allows for the study of the relationship between membrane potential and intracellular K+ (Na+) content. The cell patch is destroyed, allowing for the mixing of cytoplasm and electrode contents, but the entire cell membrane is not destroyed. This technique can be further understood through online demonstrations and explanations. Additionally, some articles may provide more information on this topic."
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gamecube999
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I don't really know the principles of this technique despite doing some reading:

the cell patch is destroyed, and the contents of the cytoplasm can mix with the contents of the electrode.

there is a low resistance pathway - so what?

and how can measurements be made if the membrane is destroyed?
 
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The entire cell membrane is not destroyed, only the membrane at the interface of the tip/cell is made porous. Because of that measurements can be made using this particular technique. You should do a quick search on google and you'll be able to find movies/animations that demonstrate and explain this.

Hope that helps.
 
  • #3
Dear Colleagues,
Is it possible to study membrane potential - intracellular K+ (Na+) content relationship by whole cell patch-clamp method? Some article please...
 

FAQ: Understanding Whole Cell Patch Clamp

What is whole cell patch clamp?

Whole cell patch clamp is a technique commonly used in electrophysiology to study the electrical properties of individual cells. It involves creating a tight seal between a small glass pipette and a cell membrane, allowing for the measurement of ion flow and membrane potential.

How is whole cell patch clamp different from other electrophysiology techniques?

Whole cell patch clamp is different from other electrophysiology techniques because it allows for direct measurement of the electrical properties of the entire cell, rather than just a small area of the membrane. It also allows for manipulation of the intracellular environment, making it useful for studying ion channels and receptors.

What types of cells can be studied using whole cell patch clamp?

Whole cell patch clamp can be used to study a wide range of cell types, including neurons, muscle cells, and even non-excitable cells like epithelial cells. However, the size and shape of the cell may affect the success of the technique.

What are the advantages of using whole cell patch clamp?

Whole cell patch clamp allows for precise and direct measurement of electrical activity in individual cells, making it a powerful tool for studying ion channels and receptors. It also allows for manipulation of the intracellular environment, making it useful for drug screening and investigating disease mechanisms.

What are the limitations of whole cell patch clamp?

Whole cell patch clamp requires specialized equipment and expertise, making it more challenging and time-consuming than other electrophysiology techniques. It also has a limited throughput, meaning that only a small number of cells can be studied at a time. Additionally, the technique can cause damage to the cell membrane, making long-term experiments difficult.

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