Variation of the Transmembrane Potential Level as a Basic Mechanism of Mitosis Control

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Abstract
A range of experimental observations suggests that a significant correlation exists between the level of the electrical transmembrane potential difference in somatic cells and the degree of their mitotic activity. The present paper, after review of pertinent experimental background data, assumes that a functional relationship between potential level and mitotic activity does exist and, invoking the precepts of classical membrane potential theory, proceeds with the formulation of a basic theory of mitosis control wherein the intracellular ionic conditions associated with various levels of the potential difference act to regulate DNA synthesis and other essential preparations for mitosis. The theory links the activity of the potential-generation mechanisms of the cell surface complex, and hence mitogenic activity, with cellular metabolism and with external environmental influences through an explicit system of interacting feedback circuits. Inherent in the overall theoretical development is the formulation of a unified theory of the cytogenetic etiology and maintenance of the malignant state. Additional specific experimental evidence is cited in support of the theoretical concepts developed.

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