How do researchers measure ion movements through single channels?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Patch clamping is a technique that measures the electric current caused by the movement of ions across a small patch of the plasma membrane.The membrane is electrically depolarized or hyperpolarized and maintained (clamped)at that potential by an electronic feedback device.The inward or outward movement of ions across a patch of membrane can be quantified from the amount of electric current needed to maintain the membrane potential at the designated "clamped" value.

How Do Researchers Measure Ion Movements Through Single Channels