Exam problems that link physical concepts with electrical phenomena in living cells

TL;DR

This paper provides a collection of biophysics exam problems that connect fundamental electrical concepts with cellular physiology, aiding students in understanding electrical processes in living cells and integrating physics with biology.

Contribution

It introduces a set of educational problems linking electricity principles directly to cell physiology, enhancing interdisciplinary teaching methods.

Findings

Problems facilitate understanding of electrodiffusion and currents in cells

Educational approach integrates physics and cell biology effectively

Supports teaching of electrical concepts through biological applications

Abstract

We present a collection of biophysics examination problems that focus on electrodiffusion, the superposition principle, and currents in RC circuits, leading towards an understanding of the Hodgkin-Huxley model of action potentials. These problems link basic concepts in electricity to the physiology of living cells. The models described in these problems are intended help students develop an understanding of electrical processes in cells. Our work shows how introductory-level electricity courses can be taught in parallel with basic cell (electro)physiology and how basic concepts of electric circuits apply to cellular phenomena.