Related: Biological Science MOC
Ion channels are trans-membrane proteins present in the lipid bilayer of cells. They form “pores” which let ions move through it into and out of the cell, which can serve different purposes. Ion channels are involved a lot in neurons/nervous system (resting membrane potential, action potential), electrical signals via gating of ions across the cell membrane.
Ion channels are integral membrane proteins, typically formed as assemblies of several individual proteins.
links to neuroscience
Because channels underlie the nerve impulse and because “transmitter-activated” channels mediate conduction across the synapses, channels are especially prominent components of the nervous system.
research methods
The study of ion channels often involves biophysics, electrophysiology, and pharmacology, and uses techniques like RT-PCR, fluoroscopy, immunohistochemistry, etc.
Ion exchange
The (reversible) process of changing one kind of ion for another, usually from fluids surrounding/inside-outside of a solid barrier. These are also engineering applications, like water purification systems!
Ion channels categorized by gating mechanism
Ion channels may be classified by the nature of their gating, the species of ions passing through those gates, the number of gates (pores), and localization of proteins.
Voltage gated channels: open and close in response to membrane-potential.
Ligand-gated/ionotropic gated: aka what neurotransmitters use. open in response to specific ligand molecules binding to the extracellular domain of the receptor protein. ligand binding causes a conformational change in the protein structure. Example: membrane tyrosine kinase