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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Facilitated Transport01:19

Facilitated Transport

The chemical and physical properties of plasma membranes cause them to be selectively permeable. Since plasma membranes have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, substances need to be able to transverse both regions. The hydrophobic area of membranes repels substances such as charged ions. Therefore, such substances need special membrane proteins to cross a membrane successfully. In  facilitated transport, also known as facilitated diffusion, molecules and ions travel across a membrane via...
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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Monitoring Neuronal Survival via Longitudinal Fluorescence Microscopy
07:02

Monitoring Neuronal Survival via Longitudinal Fluorescence Microscopy

Published on: January 19, 2019

Ion channels in neuronal survival.

YiZheng Wang1, TianLe Xu2

  • 1Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China. yzwang@ion.ac.cn.

Science China. Life Sciences
|July 3, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Chinese neuroscience research has significantly advanced the understanding of ion channels and their role in neuronal survival over the last decade. Studies explore mechanisms in sensory processing, neural development, and neurogenesis.

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Last Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Monitoring Neuronal Survival via Longitudinal Fluorescence Microscopy
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Ion channels are crucial for neuronal function and survival.
  • Neuroscience research in China has focused on ion channel mechanisms.
  • Recent studies investigate ion channel roles in sensory processing, neural development, and plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review progress in ion channel research in China over the past 10 years.
  • To highlight advancements in understanding ion channels' role in neuronal survival.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Chinese neuroscience research from the last decade.
  • Analysis of studies on ion channel activity, structure-function, and biophysical properties.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress in understanding ion channel mechanisms in China.
  • Focus on ion channels' involvement in sensory processing, neural development, and neurogenesis.
  • Studies measuring ion channel activity and structure-function relationships.

Conclusions:

  • China has made substantial contributions to ion channel research, particularly concerning neuronal survival.
  • Continued investigation into ion channel biophysics and function is essential for neuroscience advancements.