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Related Concept Videos

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...
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.
Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview01:21

Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview

An electrochemical gradient is a fundamental concept in biology and chemistry. It regulates the movement of ions across cell membranes. This movement is influenced by two factors:
The electrical gradient: The electrical gradient across cell membranes refers to the difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a cell.  This difference drives the movement of ions towards or away from the cells. For instance, if the inside of the cell is more negatively charged relative to the...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Recapitulation of an Ion Channel IV Curve Using Frequency Components
10:14

Recapitulation of an Ion Channel IV Curve Using Frequency Components

Published on: February 8, 2011

Conduction in a biological sodium selective channel.

Letícia Stock1, Lucie Delemotte, Vincenzo Carnevale

  • 1Laboratório de Biofísica Teórica e Computacional, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília DF, Brasil.

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|March 5, 2013
PubMed
Summary

The NavAb channel

Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Ion Channel Research

Background:

  • The bacterial voltage-gated sodium channel NavAb has a wider selectivity filter (SF) than potassium channels.
  • Understanding NavAb's structure is key to explaining its sodium selectivity and conduction mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the Na(+) conduction mechanism in the NavAb channel.
  • To investigate ion permeation pathways and binding sites within the SF.

Main Methods:

  • Metadynamics simulations
  • Voltage-biased molecular dynamics (MD) simulations

Main Results:

  • Conduction involves partially hydrated Na(+) ions exploring three SF binding sites.
  • Under 0 mV bias, two ions bind to three SF sites via distinct pathways.

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Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings for Electrophysiological Determination of Ion Selectivity in Channelrhodopsins

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Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes
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Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes

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Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Recapitulation of an Ion Channel IV Curve Using Frequency Components
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Recapitulation of an Ion Channel IV Curve Using Frequency Components

Published on: February 8, 2011

Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings for Electrophysiological Determination of Ion Selectivity in Channelrhodopsins
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Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings for Electrophysiological Determination of Ion Selectivity in Channelrhodopsins

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Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes
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  • Inward and outward conduction mechanisms differ significantly at positive potentials.

    • Conclusions:

    • NavAb facilitates Na(+) conduction through unique pathways distinct from K(+) channels.
    • Ion-water/ion-ion coupling and binding site interactions are crucial for Na(+) selectivity.
    • Potential-dependent mechanisms govern ion flow in NavAb.