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Article: Ion Channels
- Article from:
- Chemistry: Foundations and Applications
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 The Gale Group, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Ion Channels
Ion channels play a fundamental role in the way cells communicate. They generate the electrical signals that make hearts beat and muscles contract, and allow brains to receive and process information. This communication between cells allows for the orchestration of physical and mental activities in humans. Many diseases result from ion channels that do not function properly.
Ion channels are transmembrane proteins that span the cell membrane and are formed from one or more protein subunits. The channels are shaped like tunnels, which form pores through the plasma membrane. The pores have gates that open and close to allow ions to diffuse down their chemical gradient and ...