KINETICS OF PUMP-LEAK SYSTEM OF TRANSPORT IN OCULAR LENS, DERIVED FROM CLASSIC ENZYME KINETICS AND DIFFUSION THEORY

The pump-leak system of movement of ions in and out of the lens is described in terms of the parameters governing active transport and passive diffusion across membranes. The relation between the transfer coefficient of the pump and the concentration of the ion being transported (substrate) and inhibitor ion is derived from Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The leak is described in terms of the electrochemical gradient and permeability characteristics of the lens membrane. A method is outlined whereby these relationships can be used to interpret data from lens culture experiments in terms of the various parameters of the pump and leak. © 1969 Dr. W. Junk N.V.