Dictionary of Biological Psychology
Ion channels are water-filled pores in the cell MEMBRANE through which ions (see ION) can move into or out of cells depending on the MEMBRANE POTENTIAL or the action of NEUROTRANSMITTERS. They occur in three states: resting, open and closed.
Because the movement of ions generates a CURRENT and membrane potential changes, ion channels have a fundamental role in controlling neuronal excitability. An ion channel has selective permeability to different ions including SODIUM (Na+), CALCIUM (Ca2+), POTASSIUM (K+). Such currents can be measured from a small patch of neuronal membrane containing one or a few ion channels. This technique, called single channel recording, represents a significant technical advance in modern neurobiology.
KAZUE SEMBA
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