Ion channels
Ion Channels
Ion channels (pronounced: /ˈaɪ.ɒn ˈtʃæn.əl/) are pore-forming membrane proteins that allow ions to pass through the channel pore. Their functions include establishing a resting membrane potential, shaping action potentials and other electrical signals by gating the flow of ions across the cell membrane, controlling the flow of ions across secretory and epithelial cells, and regulating cell volume.
Etymology
The term "Ion" (pronounced: /ˈaɪ.ɒn/) comes from the Greek word "ἰόν", which means "going". This is a reference to the particles' movement in a solution when near a charged electrode. The term "Channel" (pronounced: /ˈtʃæn.əl/) comes from the Latin word "canalis" meaning "pipe, groove, channel".
Types of Ion Channels
Ion channels may be classified by the nature of their gating, the species of ions passing through those gates, the number of gates (pores) within a given ion channel, and the relative ease with which each ion passes through the gate.
- Voltage-gated ion channels: These channels open or close in response to changes in the electrical potential difference near the channel.
- Ligand-gated ion channels: These channels open in response to specific ligand molecules binding to the protein channel.
- Mechanically-gated ion channels: These channels open in response to mechanical deformation of the neuron.
Related Terms
- Action potential: A short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls.
- Resting potential: The relatively static membrane potential of quiescent cells.
- Membrane potential: The difference in electric potential between the interior and the exterior of a biological cell.
- Cell membrane: A biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ion channels
- Wikipedia's article - Ion channels
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