1. The Biophysics Approach
Make a model, with parameters
Predict the model’s behavior
Figure out a way to estimate the parameters from the observed data
model
behavior
estimators

2. e.g. Coin Flips model behavior estimators check for consistency:
Prob(heads) = p
Prob(tails) = 1 - p
probability
# heads
check for consistency:
tosses
heads
tails
torsos

3. Why do EPCs decay? Transmitter diffuses away Enzymes alter transmitter
Transmitter detaches from receptor

4. Channel Kinetics Model
‘closed’
‘open’
time g
Amplitude
Frequency (Hz)
Amplitude
Frequency (Hz) V

5. # = 2
# is Poisson
distributed
# = 1 t
# = 1
assume Poisson
mean(#) = var(#)
mean(g) =  mean(#)
var(g) =  2 var(#)
can be shown
var(g) =  mean(g)

6. Five Predictions Spectrum is Lorentzian Exponential voltage dependence
Estimates of alpha converge
Estimates of Q10 converge
Estimates of gamma converge