Membrane potential and active transport--an information theory approach.

A membrane potential stabilizing mechanism is proposed. Permeability is portrayed as controlled by a potential sensor. The active transport system is suggested to be a Maxwell demon able to recognize different ions, and modulate their passage into and out of the cell, without apparent reliance on energy. The idea that information is equivalent to entropy is used to resolve that paradox and construct a model of the active transport system. The non-steady ionic state of muscle cell is deduced; that ionic concentration may determine the condition of muscle is also suggested.