Voltage clamp technique

The voltage clamp technique is a method used by scientists to study electrical activity in cells, especially nerve and muscle cells. It involves controlling the voltage (electric potential) across the cell membrane and measuring the current needed to maintain that voltage. This helps researchers understand how specific ion channels open and close in response to changes in voltage, revealing how electrical signals are generated and propagated in cells. Essentially, it’s like fixing a cell's electrical "settings" and observing how it responds, providing insights into the cell’s electrical behavior.