Voltage gated ion channels (Week 9)

Question 1

what is equilibrium potential

Answer 1

the electrical potential difference across the cell membrane that exactly balances the concentration gradient for an ion

Question 2

properties of ion channels

Answer 2

Selectivity
gating
inactivation

Question 3

what is a VSD

Answer 3

Voltage sensing domain.
Typically voltage-gated ion channels have four, each containing several transmembrane helices
VSD responsible for sensing changes in membrane potential

Question 4

what is a PFD

Answer 4

Pore forming domain
central pore allows selective passage of ions across the membrane.

Question 5

what is the pore loop

Answer 5

aka p loop, aka p region, connects S5 and S6 helices in the PFD.
Contributes to the selectivity filter and is involved in ion conduction

Question 6

what is the inactivation gate

Answer 6

structure made of amino acids that swings shut immediately after depolarisation stopping any more Na+ ions from entering the cell