A simulation study of the electrical model of a biological cell

This paper presents the results of a simulation study of an electrical model (using resistors and capacitors) for a biological cell. The Cadence Spectre tool, a versatile mixed-signal simulator, used extensively in the semiconductor industry to pet-form in-depth ac, dc, and transient analyses, was used for this purpose. The response of a cell model at various frequencies, and the effect of cell parameters, such as cell membrane resistance and capacitance, were studied. The results correlate very well with previous research results, which show that at low frequencies-the plasma membrane can be electroporated-while at high frequencies, the induced plasma membrane potential can be much lower than that at low frequencies for the same applied voltage or electric field. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.