Ligand gated channels

1. Ligand gated channels

2. WHAT IS IT? Large group of transmembrane proteins that are used to allow the passing of ions after activation of a specific chemical. Unknown. (2012). Ligand-gated Ion Channels. Available: http://www.tocris.com/pharmacologicalBrowser.php?ItemId=187839. Last accessed 09 October 2012. “A simple way for one neuron to pass its signal to another by direct electrical coupling through gap junctions” Bruce Alberts et al (1989). Molecular Biology Of The Cell. 2nd ed. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc. 1074.

3. WHAT DOES IT DO? “Ion channels play an important role in cell signalling, electrical excitability, fluid transport and validate drug targets for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and migraine.” Unknown. (2012). Voltage & Ligand Gated Ion Channel Function. Available: http://www.moleculardevices.com/applications/molecular-function/ion-channels.html. Last accessed 9 October 2012. A ligand gate is opened from a signal from a chemical. It is the chemical being bind to something that gives it the name ligand. Dawn A. Tamarkin. (2011). Gated Channels. Available: http://faculty.stcc.edu/AandP/AP/AP1pages/nervssys/unit11/gated.htm. Last accessed 16th October 2012.

4. Example: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This is responsible for signalling muscle contraction. Nelson, David L. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry 4th ed. W.H. Freeman and Company. 2005