In: Anatomy and Physiology
What are the types of membrane channels ?
ANSWER- Depending on the factor(s) that produce their opening and closing ion channels are classified into four types-
voltage-gated ion cannels-voltage -gated ion channels open or close in response to changes in membrane potential.voltage-gated ion channels are key in the generation of electricalsignals in nerve,muscle,and cardiac cells.Example-voltage-gated sodium channel.
Ligand -gated channels- Ligand gated ion channels are opened when regulatory molecules(neurotransmitter) bind to the channel protein.Example-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
Mechanically-gated channels-Afferent neurons (sensory neurons) in the skin that respond to touch or stretch have ion channels in their dendrites that open in response to pressure or other mechanical changes at the cell membrane.
Temperature-gated channels-There are also afferent neurons that sense warm and cold and possess temperature-gated ion channels in their sensory dendrites.while these ion channel proteins are normally gated by temperature.