plasma membrane and channels

Question 1

What are the distinguishing features of an Ion Channel?

Question 2

What are the distinguishing features of a an ATP or Voltage Gated Pump?

Answer 2

• Requires a concentration threshold across of a plasma membrane to be ‘activated’ by a ligand.
• Na/K ATPase is a common example
• Responsible for the uni- or bi-directional movement of ions across concentrations or electrical gradients.

Question 3

What are the distinguishing features of an Exchanger Pump?

Answer 3

• Uses energy (ATP)

- Pushes ions AGAINST their concentration gradient usually in paired with another ion travelling along its own gradient