The Electric Essence of Life: Understanding Bioelectricity and the Proton Motive Force in Biological Systems
Protons Over Electrons: Decoding the Biochemical and Physical Dynamics of Life's Electrical Currents
#bioelectricity #mitochondria #protons #electrons #ions #aging #information #awellness #energy #i=e=mc^2 #ProtonMotiveForce #CellularProcesses #BiologicalSystems #IonChannels #ATPSynthesis #EnergyTransfer #MolecularBiology #NeuralSignaling #ThermodynamicsOfLife #ElectrochemicalGradient #PositiveIonsInBiology #BiochemicalSignaling #HumanPhysiology #CellMembraneDynamics #IonicVsElectronic #LifeSciencesResearch #MetabolicPathways #BiophysicsExplained
Dive into the electrifying world of bioelectricity, exploring the fascinating role of protons and positive ions in living organisms. Unravel the mystery: why does life prefer positive charges for electrical activity? Delve deep into the unique properties of cell membranes, the significance of ion concentration gradients, and the crucial part played by protons in cellular processes.
This essay offers a profound insight into how bioelectric signals differ fundamentally from electron-based electricity in non-biological systems and how this distinction is integral to understanding the complex thermodynamics of life.
Perfect for students, researchers, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of biology and physics, our essay illuminates the intricate dance of energy and information that powers every aspect of our existence.
It will be used as yet another building block in our discussions of consciousness, neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and AI. Positronic brains and all.
We are electric.
True.
We are an open thermodynamic system requiring a constant influx of energy.
True. (More on that below).
A current is a current, whether you view it from the positive aspect of the electrode or the negative.
True… well…, kind of.
The movement can be towards or away, depending on where you are standing, so to speak.
But the charged ‘motive force’ is what “does the work,” so who cares if it carries a positive charge (proton motive force) or a negative one (electron/electric motive force), or moves from positive to negative?
So to paraphrase every politician ever… ‘it’s the movement stupid.’
But is it, really?
If it doesn’t matter, why does life focus almost exclusively on positive ions (the Proton Motive Force)?
The slow progression and accumulation of disordered information and detritus, and therefore the movement towards a more disordered state, is reflected as the aging and loss of elasticity of our collagen fibers, the diminution of the density of our bones, the arrangement/derangement of our DNA via epigenetic changes, the increasing inefficiency in our mitochondria and ultimately the literal loss of our internal charge …of the spark of bioelectric life. And then we die.
Why is bioelectricity -the electrical activity found in living things- based principally on POSITIVE ions (hydrogen in particular) and not ELECTRONS?
Bioelectricity, the electrical activity found in living organisms, primarily involves the movement of ions, including positive ions like sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and protons (hydrogen ions, H+), rather than the flow of electrons, which is characteristic of electronic circuits in non-biological systems. This is due to several reasons rooted in the nature of biological systems and the properties of cells:
Cell Membrane Structure: Biological cells are surrounded by a membrane selectively permeable to ions. This membrane consists of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins that can act as ion channels, pumps, and receptors. The lipid bilayer is an effective barrier to electrons but allows for the controlled movement of ions.
Ion Concentration Gradients: Bioelectricity often arises from the differential concentration of ions across cell membranes. Cells expend energy (conveyed in ATP, produced by the movement of positive charges/protons) to maintain these gradients; for example, via the sodium-potassium pump), leading to a difference in electric potential across the membrane (membrane potential.
Role of Ions in Cellular Processes: Ions play a crucial role in various cellular processes. For instance, nerve impulse transmission relies on the rapid influx and efflux of Na+ and K+ ions across the neuronal membrane. Similarly, muscle contraction, secretion, and sensory processes depend on ion movements.
Water as a Biological Medium: Biological processes occur in an aqueous environment, where ions are solvated (surrounded by water molecules). This allows for the mobility and interaction of ions, which is essential for biological functions. Conversely, electrons do not exist freely in such an environment; they are typically bound to atoms or molecules. In this context, electrons can be considered ‘dirty’ (as in non-specific) and ‘dangerous’ (as in corrosive and highly reactive/volatile) when loose and are ‘mindless’ and disorganized/unfocused energetic particles.
Protons (H+) in Biochemical Reactions: Protons play a unique role in bioelectricity, especially in processes like mitochondrial ATP production, where the proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane drives ATP synthesis. Protons are also involved in acid-base balance and enzymatic reactions. More on this below.
Information Transfer: In biological systems, information (like nerve impulses) is typically transferred via ion concentrations and electric potential changes rather than the flow of electrons. Information can also be conveyed by structural (3-D) changes, and many times, these can be done by changing electrical charges. This method of information transfer is more suitable for the aqueous, ion-rich environment of biological systems.
Chemical Basis of Life: Life at a molecular level is based on chemical reactions, many of which involve the transfer of ions rather than free electrons. Bioelectric phenomena are a manifestation of these chemical processes.
In summary, the reliance on ions instead of electrons for bioelectricity in living organisms results from the unique properties of biological systems, including cell membrane structure, the importance of ions in cellular functions, the aqueous environment of cells, and the chemical nature of biological processes.
Bioelectric signals represent a form of energy and information transfer fundamentally different from the electron-based electricity in non-biological systems.
Bioelectric signals represent a form of energy and information transfer that is fundamentally different from the electron-based electricity in non-biological systems.
True That. BUT WHY?
Let's go through this step-by-step:
Medium of Transfer:
Biological Systems: Bioelectricity in biological systems involves the movement of ions (charged particles) across cell membranes in an aqueous (water-based) environment.
Non-Biological Systems: In non-biological systems, like electrical circuits, electricity is typically the flow of electrons through conductive materials like metals.
Supporting Literature: Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002. The chapter on "Ion Channels and the Electrical Properties of Membranes" explains how ions create bioelectric signals in cells.
Charge Carriers:
Biological Systems: The charge carriers are ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, and to a lesser degree, Cl−. Protons (H+) play a significant role in some particular but ultimately VERY IMPORTANT processes, like mitochondrial ATP synthesis.
Non-Biological Systems: Electrons are the primary charge carriers.
Supporting Literature: Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al., editors. Neuroscience. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. This textbook explains the role of various ions in neural signaling.
Mechanism of Movement:
Biological Systems: Ions move across cell membranes through specialized proteins like ion channels, pumps, and transporters.
Non-Biological Systems: Electrons move through conductors due to potential differences, following the principles of electromagnetism.
Supporting Literature: Hille B. Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes. 3rd edition. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates; 2001. This book delves into the mechanisms of ion channel function in cell membranes.
Energy Source and Utilization:
Biological Systems: Energy in biological systems is often stored in ion concentration gradients across membranes created by ATP-driven pumps (like the Na+/K+ pump).
Non-Biological Systems: Electrical energy comes from external sources like batteries or power grids.
Supporting Literature: Nelson DL, Cox MM. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 7th edition. New York: W.H. Freeman; 2017. This textbook covers the principles of bioenergetics and ATP's role in creating ion gradients.
** Information Encoding (this part is important - more on this later):
Biological Systems: Information (like nerve impulses) is encoded in the form of changes in membrane potential brought about by ion movements.
Non-Biological Systems: Information is typically encoded as variations in current or voltage.
Supporting Literature: Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM, et al. Principles of Neural Science. 5th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2013. This book explains how information is encoded and transmitted in the nervous system.
Functional Context:
Biological Systems: Bioelectricity is crucial for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and cellular signaling.
Non-Biological Systems: Electron-based electricity powers devices and machinery, transmitting energy and information over long distances.
Supporting Literature: Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. This textbook explains the role of bioelectricity in various cellular processes.
So, we can see that bioelectric signals in living organisms are based on ion movement across membranes (almost exclusively positive ions) in an aqueous environment and are integral to many physiological processes. In contrast, electron-based electricity in non-biological systems follows the principles of electromagnetism and is used primarily for power and communication.
The differences in the transfer medium, charge carriers, mechanisms of movement, energy utilization, information encoding, and functional context highlight how bioelectric signals in biological systems fundamentally differ from electron-based electricity in non-biological systems.
Or does it?
Are there no conductors and insulators in bio-organic materials within living things? Water and myelin beg to differ.
Does not the Proton-Motive Force (by definition) convey power and even (as witnessed under the electron microscope) convey dynamic movement to the dynamo, the ATP-synthase membrane structure, within the mitochondria?
Is there no information encoding and/or transfer conveyed by and with these positive ions across and through membranes? Or when they are added or subtracted (oxidized and reduced) from proteins and other cellular components? By this method, we witness many proteins and enzymes turning on and off (activating and deactivating).
At this level, biochemistry is electromagnetic physics by another name.
Again, these functions are done both in animate and inanimate systems.
I insist that all of the same functions are conveyed by ‘charge’ —the question comes back to WHY is primarily the Proton (and not the Electron) in animate systems?
I also add that animate systems, almost by definition, are ‘more’ than inanimate systems, meaning that this difference in charge preference may be associated with why ‘life’ is present in one and not the other —of these examples of charge movement (protons in one example and electrons in the inanimate ones) —but I digress, if only slightly.
So, there is the rub —the WHY?
Let’s return to some thermodynamics.
Humans, like all living organisms, are thermodynamically open systems.
This concept is fundamental in understanding how biological systems function and interact with their environment. Here's why:
Exchange of Matter and Energy:
In an open system, matter and energy are continuously exchanged with the environment. Humans take in energy and matter from food, water, and oxygen, releasing energy, carbon dioxide, water, and other waste materials.
Thermodynamic Processes:
Biological processes in humans, such as metabolism, are thermodynamic in nature. These processes involve energy transformations, such as the conversion of the chemical energy in food into usable cellular energy (ATP), and then into kinetic energy (movement) and thermal energy (heat).
Non-Equilibrium State:
Living systems operate far from thermodynamic equilibrium. This is necessary for life processes to occur, such as maintaining homeostasis, growing, and reproducing. In contrast, a closed system eventually reaches a state of thermodynamic equilibrium where no further changes occur.
Complexity and Organization:
Open systems can maintain a complex and highly ordered state, which is essential for life. This order is maintained through constant energy and matter exchange, and it's in stark contrast to the increasing disorder (entropy) that is expected in closed systems.
Environmental Interaction:
Humans interact with their environment in numerous ways – breathing, eating, excreting, sensing, and moving. These interactions are crucial for survival and illustrate the open nature of human systems.
Humans are open systems from a thermodynamic perspective.
So, in summary, humans are open systems from a thermodynamic perspective. This openness allows for the constant flow of energy and matter necessary for sustaining life, enabling complex biological processes and environmental interactions.
We intake energy (food: regular, premium, and high-octane unleaded/Carbs, proteins, and fats) to keep the mechanism running. We turn that food into free energy and building blocks to ‘keep the lights on’ and repair the mortar and bricks of it all, respectively.
Hmmmmm.
How do we know where the bricks go that we are replacing and which types of bricks go where to maintain the self-same organization of the organism? Don’t want to build an extra nostril or eye or repair something that isn’t broken and ignore something that needs replacing.
That Impossible burger you ate and broke down into its constituent parts to turn the pistons of your machinery and also repair/replace parts, didn’t itself come with the instructions, now did it?
Hmmmm, indeed.
With that slight review, let us now return to the WHY.
WHY do living systems prefer to convey ‘electrical’ activity via positive charges?
A key aspect of why biological systems might preferentially utilize protons and positive ions over electrons in many of their processes is that in biology and biochemistry, the dual role of protons and positive ions in both energy transfer and information signaling provides a distinct advantage that aligns well with the complex needs of living organisms.
Here's a breakdown of this concept:
Energy Transfer and Storage:
While electrons and protons are involved in energy transfer and storage, they do so in different contexts. Electrons are central in redox reactions and electron transport chains, fundamental to cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
Protons, particularly proton gradients (as in the mitochondria), are also crucial for energy storage and transfer, most notably in ATP synthesis.
Information Signaling and Environmental Modification:
Protons and positive ions have the added functionality of modifying the local chemical environment, such as pH, which can profoundly affect the structure and function of biomolecules. This ability to induce environmental changes is information signaling critical in biochemical pathways.
The concentration gradients of ions across cell membranes are not just limited to protons but also include ions like Na+, K+, and Ca2+, which play pivotal roles in signal transduction, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. These gradients and the resultant membrane potentials are a form of information storage and transmission.
Complexity and Flexibility in Biological Systems:
Biological systems are inherently complex and require high flexibility and adaptability. Using protons and positive ions allows for a more nuanced control of biochemical processes. These ions can participate in various interactions and reactions, providing the versatility needed for the diverse functions within cells.
The ability to rapidly respond to and regulate internal and external changes is crucial for survival, growth, and adaptation. Protons and (positive) ions are well-suited to these tasks with their dual roles in energy and information signaling.
It can be posited that the preference for protons and positive ions over electrons in biological systems is not just about energy transfer but also about their role in conveying information and modifying the biochemical landscape.
In conclusion, it can be posited that the preference for protons and positive ions over electrons in biological systems is not just about energy transfer but also about their role in conveying information and modifying the biochemical landscape.
This dual functionality aligns with living organisms' complex requirements, where energy dynamics and intricate signaling mechanisms are essential for life processes.
And, as is my nature, redundantly and pedantically, I remind you of the fact that we are electric, and we are information —because:
i=e=mc^2
I will build on these concepts as I return to my discussions and essays on consciousness and writings on Integrating multiple theories of consciousness in AI development - See some of my introductory musings here in my SubStack but also on LinkedIn.
TheMindAndBodyDoc-Physician/Neuroscientist — @mindandbodydoc
I provide compassionate care for children (5 years & older), adolescents, adults & families struggling with nutritional, drug, & neuropsychiatric problems.
Teaching is always a privilege, and I’ve been afforded the privilege to teach at various medical schools (MD & DO), residency programs (Psychiatry, Neurology, Family Practice, and Internal Medicine), and universities; I have participated in clinical and basic science research in the past, and am currently on staff at a few hospitals, but primarily care for patients via telemedicine.
I generally talk & write about things that catch my fancy in the news and from the recent medical literature.
These include, but are not limited to: #wellness, #neurosciences, #neuropsychiatry, #culturalpsychiatry, #ethnobotony, #mycology, #mycologicalmedicine, #digitalhealthcare, #healthcaremanagement, #artificialintelligence and #psychoneuroendocrineimmunology
References:
Nature Education. (2010). Proton Gradient, Cell Origin, ATP Synthase. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/scitable
Khan Academy. (n.d.). Oxidative phosphorylation. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org
Khan Academy. (n.d.). ATP synthase. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org
LibreTexts. (n.d.). 19.2: ATP Synthesis. Retrieved from https://bio.libretexts.org
Nature Education. (2010). Mitochondria, Cell Energy, ATP Synthase. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/scitable
Britannica. (n.d.). Metabolism - ATP Synthesis, Mitochondria, Energy. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com
Wikipedia. (n.d.). ATP synthase. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org
BiologyDiscussion.com. (n.d.). Role of Protons in the Synthesis of ATP. Retrieved from https://www.biologydiscussion.com
Nature. (n.d.). A protonic biotransducer controlling mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com
De Gruyter. (n.d.). ATP Synthase: Structure, Function and Inhibition. Retrieved from https://www.degruyter.com
NCBI Bookshelf. (n.d.). The Mechanism of Oxidative Phosphorylation. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
NCBI. (n.d.). Mitochondrial ATP synthase: architecture, function and pathology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Nature. (n.d.). Directed proton transfer from Fo to F1 extends the... Retrieved from https://link.springer.com
NCBI. (n.d.). Optimization of ATP synthase function in mitochondria and chloroplasts. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Springer. (n.d.). On the Role of Protons in the Functioning of ATP Synthase. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com
Wang, T. A., Moffitt, J. R., & others. (2019). Neuron, 103(2), 309-322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2019.05.010
Churchill, S. (Ed.). (1997). Introduction to Space Life Sciences. Malabar, FL: Orbit Books/Kluwer Publishing.
Eckart, P. (1996). Spaceflight Life Support and Biospherics. Torrance, CA: Microcosm Inc.;Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic.
Eckart, P. (1999). The Lunar Base Handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Henninger, D., & Ming, D. (Eds.). (1989). Lunar Base Agriculture: Soil for Lunar Plant Growth. Madison, WI: American Society of Agronomy.
Larson, W., & Pranke, L. (Eds.). (1999). Human Spaceflight: Mission Analysis & Design. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Encyclopedia.com. (2024, January 8). Closed Ecosystems. Retrieved from https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/closed-ecosystems
Scientific Reports. (n.d.). Discerning the thermodynamic feasibility of the spontaneous coexistence of multiple functional vegetation groups. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62103-x
Nature. (n.d.). Flipping the switch on the body’s thermoregulatory system. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02315-2
MDPI. (n.d.). On Thermodynamics, Entropy and Evolution of Biological Systems. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1099-4300/22/11/1262
ResearchGate. (n.d.). Description of the human body as a thermodynamically open system. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323884673_Description_of_the_human_body_as_a_thermodynamically_open_system
ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Thermodynamic life cycle assessment of humans with disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652618319669
ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Thermodynamic analysis of human–environment systems. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344904000786
Science. (2021, January 1). Thermodynamics and the matter of life. Vol 371, Issue 6524, p. 38. DOI: 10.1126/science.abf5633
SpringerLink. (n.d.). Thermodynamics of Open Systems. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-99034-3_2
Hille B. Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes. 3rd edition. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates; 2001. This book delves into the mechanisms of ion channel function in cell membranes.
Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al., editors. Neuroscience. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. This textbook explains the role of various ions in neural signaling.
Nelson DL, Cox MM. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 7th edition. New York: W.H. Freeman; 2017. This textbook covers the principles of bioenergetics and ATP's role in creating ion gradients.
Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM, et al. Principles of Neural Science. 5th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2013. This book explains how information is encoded and transmitted in the nervous system.
Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. This textbook explains the role of bioelectricity in various cellular processes.