Ion Channels: Structure and Function

This lecture explores the significance of ion channels in various biological processes, from bacterial resistance to osmotic shock to neuronal signal transmission and pain modulation. The presentation delves into the mechanisms of ion channel activation, including ligand-gated and voltage-gated channels, and their role in active and passive ion transport through membranes. The instructor discusses the MWC model for ligand binding and channel opening, as well as the time evolution of channel states. Additionally, the lecture covers patch clamp measurements for studying ion transport, the two-state model for mechanosensitive channels, and the dynamics of sodium channels.

About this result

This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.

Related lectures (45)

Related concepts (37)

BIO-244: Physics of the cell

Living organisms evolve in a physical world: their cells respond to mechanics, electricity and light. In this course, we will describe the behavior and function of cells using physical principles.

Active transport

In cellular biology, active transport is the movement of molecules or ions across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration—against the concentration gradient. Active transport requires cellular energy to achieve this movement. There are two types of active transport: primary active transport that uses adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and secondary active transport that uses an electrochemical gradient.

Ion channel

Ion channels 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. Ion channels are present in the membranes of all cells. Ion channels are one of the two classes of ionophoric proteins, the other being ion transporters.

Membrane transport protein

A membrane transport protein (or simply transporter) is a membrane protein involved in the movement of ions, small molecules, and macromolecules, such as another protein, across a biological membrane. Transport proteins are integral transmembrane proteins; that is they exist permanently within and span the membrane across which they transport substances. The proteins may assist in the movement of substances by facilitated diffusion or active transport.

Voltage-gated ion channel

Voltage-gated ion channels are a class of transmembrane proteins that form ion channels that are activated by changes in the electrical membrane potential near the channel. The membrane potential alters the conformation of the channel proteins, regulating their opening and closing. Cell membranes are generally impermeable to ions, thus they must diffuse through the membrane through transmembrane protein channels. They have a crucial role in excitable cells such as neuronal and muscle tissues, allowing a rapid and co-ordinated depolarization in response to triggering voltage change.

Sodium channel

Sodium channels are integral membrane proteins that form ion channels, conducting sodium ions (Na+) through a cell's membrane. They belong to the superfamily of cation channels. They are classified into 2 types: In excitable cells such as neurons, myocytes, and certain types of glia, sodium channels are responsible for the rising phase of action potentials. These channels go through three different states called resting, active and inactive states.

Ion Channels: Structure and Function NX-450: Computational neurosciences: biophysics

Explores the biophysics of ion channels and their vital role in neuronal signaling and physiological processes.

Ion Channels: Structure and Function NX-450: Computational neurosciences: biophysics

Explores the structure and function of ion channels, their classification, membrane permeability, and role in single-cell activities.

Electricity in Cells BIO-244: Physics of the cell

Explores the physical basis of signal propagation in neurons, focusing on membrane potential setup and ion channels.

Understanding Synaptic Transmission BIOENG-450: In silico neuroscience

Explores synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters, and neural plasticity principles.

Optimization of Neuroprosthetic Systems NX-421: Neural signals and signal processing

Explores the optimization of neuroprosthetic systems, including sensory feedback restoration and neural stimulation strategies.