Figure 3.

Self-generated electrical activity by cells. All cells generate an inorganic ion-based voltage difference over their plasma membrane. In resting conditions, the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane is at negative potential. The inorganic ion environment in the cytoplasm and (if present) in the nucleoplasm influences both gene expression and the still enigmatic cognitive memory system. Mechanisms exist that make that ion pumps and channels, the key actors instrumental to the ‘electrical dimension of cells’, do not float freely in the plane of the plasma membrane. Non-spherical symmetry can result. Under proper conditions, self-generated electrical currents traverse the cell. The current loops have to be closed outside the cell. Three examples of the electric field which surrounds a living entity are shown: an ameba, a plant and an animal embryo. They were measured with the vibrating probe technique of Jaffe and Nuccitelli.³⁶ For more examples see ref. 19.