Energy-Transducing Reaction in Biologyical Members. II. Molecular Mechanism for the Permeability Changes in Nerve During the Paggage of an Action Potential

Abstract

A molecular model is proposed for the permeability changes associated with an action potential. The model membrane contains molecular "springs" composed of ,helical lipopeptides containing four to six consecutive lipophosphoseryl residues. The lipids form bilayers which bind the springs to the surrounding membrane and possess elastic contractile properties. In an expanded configuration, the springs prefer hydrated Na+ to K+; in a contracted configuration unhydrated K+ is pre-ferred to Na+ and is solvated by oxygen components of the spring. Expansion or contraction depends on the ionic strength and composition of the solution in contact with the springs.