MadSci Network: Cell Biology
Query:

Re: Are gated channels (i.e. ligand, voltage) utilizing facilitated diffusion?

Date: Mon Mar 22 14:04:08 1999
Posted By: Dmitri Leonoudakis, Grad student, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Research Institute
Area of science: Cell Biology
ID: 921156658.Cb
Message:

Ligand and voltage gated ion channels do not utilize facilitated diffusion. The channels are simply opened by either a specific ligand or a specific change in voltage. The ions then flow down their gradient (high concentration to low concentration) across the plasma membrane. The channels are able to be specific for certain ions depending on the structure and amino acid composition of the pore region of the channel.

Dmitri


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