Patch Clamp Method

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Patch Clamp Method?

Answer 1

• monitor cell electrical activities
• record cell under controlled conditions

Question 2

How to perform the Patch Clamp Method?

Answer 2

• sharp electrode approach cell
• gentle suction forms ‘giga’ seal – see resistance change
• strong suction to have continuous intracellular fluid

Question 3

What are the 2 types of recording?

Answer 3

Current Clamp (I-clamp) – records voltage
Voltage Clamp (V-clamp) – records current

Question 4

What are the configurations of Patch Recording?

Answer 4

• Cell-attached patch recording – intracellular intact
• Whole-cell recording – continuous intracellular
• Inside-out patch – cytoplasm accessible
• Outside-out patch – extracellular accessible

Question 5

How to record channels?

Answer 5

• at fixed voltage
• random instantaneous channel openings and closings
• current amplitudes the same when 2 channels open