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Related Concept Videos

Non-gated Ion Channels01:24

Non-gated Ion Channels

Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Voltage-gated Ion Channels01:26

Voltage-gated Ion Channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Non-gated Ion Channels01:24

Non-gated Ion Channels

Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation01:28

Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation

The action potential is a complex electrical event that occurs in excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. It consists of several distinct phases, each with specific characteristics.
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels01:26

Voltage-gated Ion Channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Exploring Arterial Smooth Muscle Kv7 Potassium Channel Function using Patch Clamp Electrophysiology and Pressure Myography
11:02

Exploring Arterial Smooth Muscle Kv7 Potassium Channel Function using Patch Clamp Electrophysiology and Pressure Myography

Published on: September 14, 2012

Kv2 channels form delayed-rectifier potassium channels in situ.

J T Blaine1, A B Ribera

  • 1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado 80262, USA.

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
|February 27, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Kv2 channels are crucial for neuron repolarization, acting as delayed rectifier potassium channels. Their elimination significantly prolongs action potential duration, highlighting their essential role in nerve impulse control.

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Exploring Arterial Smooth Muscle Kv7 Potassium Channel Function using Patch Clamp Electrophysiology and Pressure Myography
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Published on: September 14, 2012

Voltage-Dependent Potassium Current Recording on H9c2 Cardiomyocytes via the Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Technique
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Voltage-Dependent Potassium Current Recording on H9c2 Cardiomyocytes via the Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Technique

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Recording of Inward Rectifying K+ Currents in Freshly Isolated Basilar Artery Smooth Muscle Cells by Patch Clamp Technique
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • The delayed rectifier potassium current is vital for action potential repolarization in neurons.
  • The specific molecular identities of channels responsible for this current in situ remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Kv2 channels in action potential repolarization.
  • To compare the contribution of Kv2 and Kv1 channels to sustained potassium currents and their impact on neuronal excitability.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized genetic manipulation to eliminate Kv2 channels in neurons.
  • Measured non-inactivating potassium current density and action potential duration.
  • Compared the effects of Kv2 channel elimination with Kv1 channel suppression.

Main Results:

  • Elimination of Kv2 channels led to a significant reduction in non-inactivating potassium current density.
  • Kv2 channel knockout resulted in a marked prolongation of action potential duration.
  • Suppression of Kv1 channels had a minimal effect on action potential duration compared to Kv2 elimination.

Conclusions:

  • Kv2 channels play a major role in action potential repolarization in vertebrate neurons.
  • Kv2 subunits function as the primary delayed-rectifier channels responsible for repolarization in situ.
  • Different potassium channel subtypes contribute distinctively to sustained potassium currents and neuronal excitability.