Electrical Properties of the Cells: Resting Membrane potential

Question 1

What are ion channels?

Answer 1

Ion channelsare protein molecules that span across the cell membrane allowing the passage of ions from one side of the membrane to the other.

Question 2

How does the aqueous pore of the ion channel become accessible to ion ?

Answer 2

Conformational change in the protein structure (opens)

Question 3

Are ion channel selective?

Answer 3

Yse

Question 4

What are the two types of ion channel and how are they opened?

Answer 4

Voltage gated channel- open when there is a change in membrane potential.
Ligand Gated channel- Opens when ligand binds to the channel. EX- hormones/ neurotransmitters (acetylcholine)

Question 5

What do ion channels have a role in?

Answer 5

Neurological & muscular or other disorders
Drugs can target ion channels as a means of treatment.