Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes
Published on: January 11, 2011
[Molecular and biophysical aspects of potassium channels]
Abstract:
K+ channels of known sequence fall into two distantly related families, voltage-dependent channels and inwardly rectifying channels. Several types of inwardly rectifying K+ channels, containing two putative transmembrane domains in each subunit, have recently been cloned and can be classified into four groups: 1) IRK family; classical inward rectifying, 2) GIRK family; G-protein-activated, 3) KATP family; ATP-inhibited, and 4) KAB family; ATP-dependent. Recent studies have revealed that atrial and neuronal G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ channels function as heteromultimers of two distinct GIRKs, and that pancreatic beta cell KATP channels are a complex composed of at least two subunits, a member of the ATP-inhibited inwardly rectifying K+ channel family (BIR) and the sulfonylurea receptor.
Related Concept Videos
Non-gated Ion Channels
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 Computation
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 Channels
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 Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview
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...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
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...

