Question

What are the differences between IRKs and GIRKs, functionally and structurally? Where in the body are they found?

Answer 1

Answer)

IRKs	GIRKs
IRKs refer to Inward rectifier Potassium chanels	GIRKs refer to G Protein coupled inwardly rectifiying potassium channels
These are voltage gated and flanks transmembrne proteins	These comes under the family of ligand inward rectifier potassium channels
Structurally,this is made up of 333 amino acyl residues with N terminal flanking P loop. These are activated by PIP2 i.e. Phosphatidyl ionositol bisphosphate	Structurally, these are made up of complex of ligand stimulation by GPCR and PIP2. They possess heteromeric complex of beta gamma subunits.They possess subunits GIRK1,2,3,4
Functions:-They helps in transportation of potassium ions with potassium uptake	Functions:-These are permeable to potassium ions and helps in hyperpolarization of cell membrane

IRKs are found in cardiac muscle cells,macrophages and neurons whereas GIRKs are found in central nervous sytem and primarly heart and controls the excitability of neurons.