5 Questions
What are the main charged species found in both intracellular and extracellular regions of neurons?
Na+, K+, Cl−, and negatively charged proteins
What is the process known as that involves the opening and closing of ion channels?
Channel gating
What divides the intracellular and extracellular regions in neurons and other cells?
The cell membrane
What can alter the channel protein conformations, producing changes in how long or how much the channel opens?
Three factors
What is the distribution of ions like inside and outside the neuron?
Ions are distributed in specific ratios inside and outside the neuron
Study Notes
Neuronal Charge and Ion Channels
- The main charged species found in both intracellular and extracellular regions of neurons are sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and calcium (Ca2+).
Ion Channel Regulation
- The process involving the opening and closing of ion channels is known as gating.
Cellular Structure
- The cell membrane divides the intracellular and extracellular regions in neurons and other cells.
Ion Channel Modulation
- Binding of ligands, changes in voltage, and phosphorylation can alter the channel protein conformations, producing changes in how long or how much the channel opens.
Ion Distribution
- Inside the neuron (intracellular region), the ion distribution is: high in potassium (K+) and low in sodium (Na+).
- Outside the neuron (extracellular region), the ion distribution is: high in sodium (Na+) and low in potassium (K+).
Test your knowledge of the electrical properties of neurons with this quiz on cell membranes, ion distributions, diffusion, and cell membrane permeability. Learn about the key ions and charged species present in neurons and other cells.
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