Phenomena of synchronized response in biosystems and the possible mechanism

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2018 Feb 5;496(2):661-666. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.01.118. Epub 2018 Jan 20.

Abstract

Phenomena of synchronized response is common among organs, tissues and cells in biosystems. We have analyzed and discussed three examples of synchronization in biosystems, including the direction-changing movement of paramecia, the prey behavior of flytraps, and the simultaneous discharge of electric eels. These phenomena and discussions support an electrical communication mechanism that in biosystems, the electrical signals are mainly soliton-like electromagnetic pulses, which are generated by the transient transmembrane ionic current through the ion channels and propagate along the dielectric membrane-based softmaterial waveguide network to complete synchronized responses. This transmission model implies that a uniform electrical communication mechanism might have been naturally developed in biosystem.

Keywords: Electrical communication; Membrane; Softmaterial waveguide; Soliton-like electromagnetic wave; Synchronized response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Communication*
  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Electricity
  • Electrophorus / physiology
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena*
  • Ion Channels / metabolism*
  • Ion Transport
  • Movement
  • Paramecium / physiology
  • Sarraceniaceae / physiology

Substances

  • Ion Channels