The paper titled “The significance of bioelectricity on all levels of organization of an organism. Part 1_ From the subcellular level to cells,” authored by Richard H.W. Funk and Felix Scholkmann, delves into the essential role of bioelectricity in the structural and functional organization of biological organisms. This paper is the first in a three-part series that systematically explores how bioelectricity influences biological systems, starting from the subcellular level and extending to cells.
Bioelectricity, the study of electrical phenomena in living organisms, has seen significant advancements in recent years. This field is increasingly recognized for its critical role in understanding biological functions across different levels of organization within an organism. The authors present a comprehensive narrative review of bioelectricity’s impact at the basic structural levels, including electrical charges, molecules, cell organelles, and cells. The paper emphasizes the growing interest and emerging discoveries in bioelectricity, which are driving what is being referred to as a “bioelectricity revolution.”
The review is designed for readers who may not be familiar with the topic, offering a clear and structured overview of the various bioelectrical phenomena at play within multicellular organisms. The authors also make great efforts to visualize the main information through informative and appealing graphics, making the complex subject matter more accessible.
The Role of Bioelectricity in Biological Systems
Electrical Charges and Atoms
At the most fundamental level, bioelectricity involves the movement and distribution of electrical charges, including electrons, protons, and ions such as calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+). These charges are omnipresent in biological systems, creating electrical currents, fields, and, when in motion, electromagnetic fields. The paper highlights the complexity of these interactions, where charges move along various structures within cells, facilitated by mechanisms such as quantum tunneling, which is crucial in processes like electron transport within mitochondria.
The diversity of charges and their varying strengths create a dynamic landscape of electrical phenomena even at this basic level. The cytosolic environment, for example, differs markedly from the extracellular space in its ionic composition, contributing to the cell’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Molecules and Macromolecules
Molecules in biological organisms, particularly those involved in redox reactions like NAD+/NADH, carry specific charges that play a crucial role in cellular functions. These molecules have a molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), which is not uniformly distributed, leading to electric dipole moments. This charge distribution is critical for molecular interactions, including protein folding and enzyme-substrate binding.
The paper discusses how certain proteins, such as those in the tubulin family, have high charges and large electric dipole moments, making them highly sensitive to external electrical influences. The cytoskeleton, composed of actin filaments and microtubules, is highlighted for its role in facilitating electrical charge and signal transmission within cells. Microtubules, in particular, are noted for their unique electrical properties, behaving as sub-cellular memristors and memory-switching elements, which could have implications for intracellular and intercellular communication.
The Bioelectric Properties of Cell Organelles and Cells
The Membrane Potential of Cell Organelles
Each cell organelle, including mitochondria, has a specific membrane potential that contributes to the overall bioelectric environment within the cell. The mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, are particularly notable for their high membrane potential and ability to form electrically coupled networks. These networks can transmit electrical charges across the cell, playing a key role in energy distribution and cellular communication.
The paper also discusses the complex bioelectric environment within cells, where different organelles and molecules interact based on their membrane potentials and charge distributions. For example, the intracellular space is characterized by a network of electrochemical gradients and semi-conductive pathways that guide the flow of ions and other charged particles. This bioelectric circuitry is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and enabling complex functions such as signal transmission and energy conversion.
The Role of Ion Channels and Transporters
Ion channels and transporters are integral to the bioelectric functions of cells, regulating the flow of ions across membranes and maintaining the cell’s membrane potential. These channels are sensitive to various stimuli, including voltage changes and electromagnetic fields, which can modulate their activity. The paper highlights the significance of these channels in excitable cells, such as neurons, where they play a critical role in electrical signaling.
The authors also explore the concept of quantum effects in ion transport, suggesting that a deeper understanding of ion channel function may require considering quantum physical effects such as tunneling and coherence. This perspective opens new avenues for research into the fundamental mechanisms underlying bioelectric phenomena.
Bioelectricity and Cellular Function
Membrane Potential and Cellular Behavior
The membrane potential of cells is a defining characteristic that influences various cellular behaviors, including cell cycle progression, differentiation, and signaling. The paper emphasizes that membrane potential is not merely a passive property but an active regulator of cellular functions. Changes in membrane potential can trigger a cascade of biochemical and biophysical processes, affecting everything from gene expression to metabolic activity.
In non-excitable cells, fluctuations in membrane potential are linked to cellular states such as proliferation and cancer progression. The authors suggest that these fluctuations could provide insights into the pathophysiology of diseases and potentially offer new diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets.
The Faraday Cage Effect and Electromagnetic Shielding
One of the fascinating aspects of cellular bioelectricity is the Faraday cage effect, where the cell membrane acts as a shield against external electromagnetic influences. This protective mechanism is essential for preserving the integrity of cellular functions in a constantly changing environment. However, the paper notes that certain parts of the cell membrane, such as ion channels and lipid rafts, are still influenced by external electromagnetic fields, making them critical interfaces between the cell and its environment.
The Broader Implications of Bioelectricity
Bioelectricity as a Unifying Principle in Biology
The paper argues that bioelectricity is not just a peripheral aspect of biology but a unifying principle that connects various levels of biological organization, from the subcellular level to entire organisms. This perspective is supported by the growing body of evidence showing that electrical signals and fields play a fundamental role in processes such as development, regeneration, and disease.
The authors also propose that understanding bioelectricity could lead to breakthroughs in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine. By manipulating electrical signals, it may be possible to influence cellular behavior in ways that promote healing or prevent disease.
The Future of Bioelectricity Research
As the field of bioelectricity continues to grow, the paper anticipates a wave of new discoveries that will deepen our understanding of biological systems. The authors highlight the need for interdisciplinary approaches that combine biophysics, molecular biology, and computational modeling to explore the full potential of bioelectric phenomena. They also call for more research into the “bioelectric code,” an analogy to the genetic code that could unlock new ways of understanding and controlling biological functions.
Conclusion
The first installment of this three-part series provides a comprehensive overview of the role of bioelectricity in biological systems, from the subcellular level to cells. By examining the electrical properties of charges, molecules, cell organelles, and cells, the authors lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of how bioelectricity influences the structural and functional organization of organisms.
As the field of bioelectricity continues to advance, it holds the promise of revolutionizing our approach to biology and medicine. Whether through new diagnostic tools, therapeutic strategies, or insights into the fundamental nature of life, bioelectricity offers a powerful framework for exploring the mysteries of living systems. The upcoming parts of this series will further explore bioelectricity’s role at higher levels of biological organization, offering readers a complete picture of this exciting and rapidly evolving field.