Abstract

Theoretical equations of membrane potentials and of the permeation rates of ions through membranes are derived from the entropy production in the membranes. The entropy production is calculated by means of the irreversible thermodynamics of continuous systems based on hydrodynamics. The calculation was carried out under the assumptions that the membrane has a porous mosaic structure and that the ionic concentration in the membrane capillaries ought to be determined by means of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, and also that there is no pressure difference between two sides of the membrane. The equation of the membrane potential here obtained agrees with that derived from the Eyring theory of rate processes, but the former is more rigorous than the latter. The experimental data were found to be in good agreement with the theory. Furthermore, a new equation for the permeability of ions was derived by the same procedure.

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