Biochem 3.3 Biology Chapter: Ion Channels and Membrane Function

A process where a solute moves through a channel from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

The force exerted by charged particles on each other, impacting their movement.

The phenomenon where ions move through a channel, creating a potential difference across the membrane due to the accumulation of charge.

A specific interaction between an ion and channel residues, leading to the removal of water molecules surrounding the ion.

The process of an ion moving through a channel from the region of higher concentration to the region of lower concentration, driven by the electrochemical gradient.

The condition where the movement of ions through a channel is balanced, resulting in no net flow across the membrane, even if the ion concentrations on both sides are not equal.

The ability of a channel to selectively allow passage of certain ions, while excluding others, based on their size and charge.

The voltage difference across a cell membrane at electrochemical equilibrium, where ion movement is balanced.

The voltage required to maintain an uneven distribution of a specific ion across a membrane, balancing the electrochemical gradient.

The formula used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a specific ion, considering its concentration gradient and charge.

A measure of how easily an ion can cross the membrane; a value of 0 indicates the ion cannot cross.

The specific ion concentration outside a cell, represented by [X]out in the Nernst equation.

The specific ion concentration inside a cell, represented by [X]in in the Nernst equation.

The process by which ions move down their electrochemical gradient, creating a charge separation across the membrane.

The accumulation of charge on one side of the membrane due to ion flow, contributing to the resting membrane potential.

The ability of a membrane to allow specific ions to pass through it.

The difference in electrical potential between the inside and outside of a cell membrane.

An equation to calculate the membrane potential, considering the contributions of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions.

An ion channel that is always open, allowing continuous flow of ions.

An ion channel that opens in response to a specific signal, allowing controlled ion flow.

The default state of a gated ion channel, where it is closed and no ion flow occurs.

The state of a gated ion channel when it is open, allowing ion flow through the membrane.

The process of changing the shape of an ion channel to open or close it.

Ions constantly flowing through ungated ion channels, contributing to the resting membrane potential.

The negative charge inside a typical cell compared to the outside.

These channels open in response to physical stimuli like stretching, enabling sensations such as touch.

These channels facilitate the flow of uncharged particles, such as water, across a membrane, crucial for osmosis and regulating osmotic pressure.

These channels are responsible for the movement of ions across a membrane, allowing continuous flow when open, unlike carrier proteins.

These proteins move a specific number of molecules across a membrane each time they operate, and can move solutes either with or against their gradients.

Channels that open in response to a specific molecule binding to them.

The process where a ligand continuously bound to a channel causes the channel to close even when there is still ligand present.

Channels that open in response to changes in membrane potential.

The specific membrane potential at which a voltage-gated channel opens.

The process where a membrane potential becomes more positive.

The process where a membrane potential becomes more negative.

The process where a cell actively pumps potassium ions into the cytosol.

The process where ungated potassium channels allow potassium ions to flow down their concentration gradient.

The process where a change in membrane potential caused by one channel triggers the opening of another channel, amplifying the signal.