Ion Channels & Membrane Potential

Question 1

gated channels

Answer 1

• protein channels in cell membranes that can open and close in response to specific signals

Question 2

membrane potential

Answer 2

• the difference in electrical charge between the inside and the outside of a cell membrane

Question 3

leak channels

Answer 3

• a type of ion channel found in the cell membrane that allows ions to move across the membrane passively, without requiring energy input from the cell

Question 4

Nernst equation

Answer 4

• a mathematical formula used to calculate the equilibrium potential (also known as the Nernst potential) for a specific ion across a cell membrane

Question 5

ligand-gated channels

Answer 5

• a type of ion channel found in the cell membrane that opens or closes in response to the binding of a specific molecule

Question 6

patch clamp

Answer 6

• a powerful electrophysiological technique used to study the electrical properties of individual cells, particularly excitable cells like neurons and muscle cells
• it allows researchers to measure the flow of ions across the cell membrane with exceptional precision

Question 7

mechanically-gated channels

Answer 7

• a type of ion channel found in the cell membrane that open or close in response to mechanical stimuli such as pressure, tension, or stretching of the membrane

Question 8

voltage-gated channels

Answer 8

• a type of ion channel found in the cell membrane that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential of the cell