Bioelectrogenesis
Bioelectrogenesis is the generation of electricity by living organisms. Nerve impulse is considered a bioelectric event.[1] In neurons, the Sodium-Potassium Pump is the only example of an electrogenic channel or pump. It is electrogenic because it has a net flow of +1 charge out of the cell. [2] Plant cells also exhibit light-induced electrogenesis.[3] Certain types of bacteria are able to generate electric currents which are used in microbial fuel cells. However the term usually refers to the electricity-generating ability that is in some aquatic creatures, such as the electric eel and to a lesser extent the black ghost knifefish. Fish exhibiting such bioelectrogenesis often also possess electroreceptive abilities (which are more widespread) as part of an integrated electric system.[4] Electrogenesis may be utilized for electrolocation, self-defense, electrocommunication and sometimes the stunning of prey.[5]
In popular culture
The ability to manipulate electrical fields has appeared as a superpower in comic books and other works of fiction. In the movie Mr. North, the protagonist frequently creates static electricity shocks. In mythology, gods such as Zeus and Thor were able to generate lightning.
Some creatures in Pokemon, mostly the ones belonging to the Electric-Type (Including the franchise's mascot Pikachu and its trans-generational similars Pichu, Minun, Plusle, Pachirisu and Emolga) are able to generate and manipulate electricity at will.
See also
References
- ^ Schoffeniels, E. D.; Mărgineanu, G. (1990). Molecular Basis and Thermodynamics of Bioelectrogenesis. Topics in molecular organization and engineering. Vol. 5. Springer. p. 20. ISBN 9780792309758.
- ^ Nicholls, John G.; Martin, A. Robert; Fuchs, Paul A.; Brown, David A.; Diamond, Mathew E.; Weisblat, David A. (2012). From Neuron to Brain. Vol. 5. Sinauer. p. 145. ISBN 9780878936090.
- ^ Volkov, A. G. (2006). Plant electrophysiology: theory and methods. Springer. ISBN 9783540327172.
- ^ Bullock, T. H.; Hopkins, C. D.; Ropper, A. N.; Fay, R. R. (2005). From Electrogenesis to Electroreception: An Overview. Springer. ISBN 9780387231921.
- ^ Castello, M. E., A. Rodriguez-Cattaneo, P. A. Aguilera, L. Iribarne, A. C. Pereira, and A. A. Caputi (2009). "Waveform generation in the weakly electric fish Gymnotus coropinae (Hoedeman): the electric organ and the electric organ discharge". Journal of Experimental Biology. 212 (9): 1351–1364. doi:10.1242/jeb.022566.
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