A quantized physical framework for understanding the working mechanism of ion channels

Abstract

A quantized physical framework, called the five-anchor model, is developed for a general understanding of the working mechanism of ion channels. According to the hypotheses of this model, the following two basic physical principles are assigned to each anchor: the polarity change induced by an electron transition and the mutual repulsion and attraction induced by an electrostatic force. Consequently, many unique phenomena, such as fast and slow inactivation, the stochastic gating pattern and constant conductance of a single ion channel, the difference between electrical and optical stimulation (optogenetics), nerve conduction block and the generation of an action potential, become intrinsic features of this physical model. Moreover, this model also provides a foundation for the probability equation used to calculate the results of electrical stimulation in our previous C-P theory.