Effects of nonequilibrium fluctuations on ionic transport through biomembranes

Abstract

We investigate the effects of nonequilibrium flutuations on ionic transport through ion channels in membranes using the concept of localized ratchet. Due to the localization, the ionic population in the binding site can be enhanced or suppressed depending upon ionic potential and its fluctuations, affecting the gating kinetics of the channel. The localized dichotomic fluctuations of ionic potential are shown to give rise to a current reversal differing from the results of periodic ratchets. It is also found that strong correlations between binding energy and membrane potential fluctuations induce resonancelike behaviors in ionic current as the fluctuating rate varies. [S1063-651X(99)17010-7].