Question

Which of the following technique is used to study current flow across a single ion channel ?

• A. Patch clamp
• B. Voltage clamp
• C. lontophoresis
• D. Galvanometry

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The technique used to study current flow across a single ion channel is Patch clamp. This method is a powerful tool in electrophysiology, allowing researchers to measure the ionic currents passing through individual ion channels, thus providing insights into their functional properties.

In the Patch clamp technique, a glass pipette with a very fine tip is used to isolate a small patch of the membrane. By creating a tight seal with this pipette, it becomes possible to control the environment surrounding the ion channel while measuring the tiny currents that flow through it. Unlike other techniques, it offers the precision needed to analyze the function of single or multiple ion channels in a particular patch of membrane.

Here's a brief overview of the other techniques mentioned:

• Voltage clamp: Used to maintain a constant membrane potential while observing the current, but it is more suited for measuring currents across whole cells rather than single channels.
• Iontophoresis: A technique to introduce ions into tissue through an electric field, mainly used for delivering substances locally.
• Galvanometry: Measures electric current but is not specific to studying ion channels.