Patch-clamp technique

The patch-clamp technique is a laboratory method used to study the electrical activity of individual cells, especially nerve and muscle cells. It involves attaching a tiny glass pipette to a specific part of a cell's membrane to measure the flow of ions—charged particles that create electrical signals. By controlling and recording these ion currents, scientists can understand how cells communicate and respond to stimuli, helping advance research in neuroscience, physiology, and drug development. This precise measurement allows insights into the cell’s electrical properties and functions at a very detailed level.