Potassium channel
Potassium Channel
The Potassium Channel (pronunciation: pəˈtæsiəm ˈtʃænəl) is a type of Ion Channel that allows potassium ions to pass through the cell membrane in a process known as Potassium Transport.
Etymology
The term "Potassium Channel" is derived from the element Potassium, which is represented by the symbol 'K' in the periodic table, and the word "channel", which refers to a pathway or conduit.
Function
Potassium channels play a key role in maintaining the Resting Membrane Potential of cells, regulating cellular volume, and contributing to the repolarization phase of Action Potentials. They are the most widely distributed type of ion channel, found in virtually all living organisms.
Types
There are several types of potassium channels, including:
- Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels: These channels open or close in response to changes in the electrical potential across the cell membrane.
- Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels: These channels open in response to an increase in intracellular calcium ions.
- Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels: These channels allow more potassium to flow into the cell than out of it.
- Two-Pore Domain Potassium Channels: These channels have two pore-forming subunits, which give them unique properties.
Related Terms
- Ion Channel
- Potassium Transport
- Resting Membrane Potential
- Action Potentials
- Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels
- Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
- Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels
- Two-Pore Domain Potassium Channels
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Potassium channel
- Wikipedia's article - Potassium channel
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