Analysis of ion channels

 

- Patch Clamp -

Ion conductivity:

 

Ion channel (Gramicidin) :

 

 

Mega(Giga)seal :                           1 - 20 giga ohm  isolation resistance

Current :                                        about 10 pA / open ion channel

                                                      (= ~10⁷ ions / s)

Pipettes :                                       low melting glass or quartz

                                                      outer diameter 1 - 2 mm

Diameter of patching tip :               1 - 10 µm