Ian Glynn conducted informative work on the movement of ions through cell membranes and on the relation of active transport to phosphorus metabolism. He obtained quantitative information about the linkage of potassium uptake and sodium outflow in red blood cells, and showed that the membrane ATPase is activated by external potassium and internal sodium. He made illuminating studies on the action of cardiac glycosides on ion transport and on the detailed mechanism by which the breakdown of ATP leads to an uphill movement of ions. Glynn also obtained evidence that the pumping mechanism is reversible, by showing that a downhill movement of ions may lead to the formation of ATP.

Professor Ian Glynn FRS died on 7 July 2022.