Ion channels

The human body has various systems of how it is able to transmit signals across various tissues. One of the most important systems the body uses for this signaling is ion channels. Ion channels are found in every part of the body, and are specifically used to transmit ions across gradients. In skeletal muscle, these ion channels are used for muscle contractions that are coupled with action potentials and are initiated by depolarization of cellular membranes. In skeletal muscle this occurs by a single

cells, anion channels play a key role in various physiological functions. This include cell osmoregulation, cell signalling, plant nutrition and compartmentalization of metabolites and metal tolerance (reference). In plants, anion channels are reported to be found in plasma membrane, tonoplast, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and chloroplasts. Plasma membrane channels have been the best characterized till date compared to those located in other membranes. How do they work? Ion channels in general

As multicellular organisms became more complex they required a method of communication between cells. Over time several methods of cell-cell communication developed. There are two main methods of communicating between cells in humans. One is a humoral method that usually involves hormones or other ligands (molecules that bind to larger molecules) that are released into the blood stream and then cause a response in the target cell. The other method is by using nerve cells an electrical signal is transferred

1 Introduction Despite all the advances erupting from therapeutic research, current treatments for pain management remain inadequate. The efficacies of modern pain therapies are challenged by “adverse tolerability profiles, unfavourable side effects, concerns with long-tern use and potential for misuse or abuse” (Carven & Roberts, 2013). While the major analgesic medicines on the market today include “narcotic (opioids) and non-narcotic analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NEUR3004 Methods In Neuroscience: Electrophysiological Techniques Name: Virginia Wu SID: 311179029   Methods In Neuroscience: Electrophysiological Techniques Introduction The neurons in the brain tissue communicate with each other via electrical signals, generating measurable action potential activity. Electrophysiological techniques have been developed to measure this electrical activity. Electrophysiological techniques are some of the classic methods of brain research, partly because they are

They are classified according to the trigger that opens the channel for such ions, either a voltage change or a binding of a substance to the ligand-gated sodium channels. Sodium channels consist of a large α subunit that associates with other proteins, such as β subunits. An α subunit forms the core of the channel and is functional on its own. When the α subunit protein is expressed by a cell, it is able to form channels that conduct Na+ in a voltage-gated way, even if β subunits or other

Facilitated diffusion is a process of passive transport across a biological membrane. Passive transport is the diffusion of substances across a membrane. This is a spontaneous process and cellular energy is not expended. Molecules will move from where the substance is more concentrated to where it is less concentrated. The cell membrane of eukaryotic cells is composed of a phospholipid bilayer. These phospholipids are composed of a polar head, made up of a phosphate group, and two non-polar fatty

Chloride channels are a structurally diverse superfamily of transmembrane proteins that facilitate the transport of negative anions across the cell membrane. These channels are involved in a plethora of physiological processes such as neurotransmission, excitation of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle, salt transport, cell volume regulation, and acid production in internal and external compartments. Families of these channels include the voltage-gated CLC family, calcium-activated CaCC family,

be the “gold standard”, when investigating neuronal signalling (Massimo Scanziani et Michael Häusser, 2009). Measurements are taken of the voltage change or the electrical current on an extensive variety of scales from a single ion channel protein (e.g. potassium channels) to large organs (e.g. the heart). There are many areas in which electrophysiology can be applied to. Applications of electrophysiology Electrophysiology can be applied to many aspects within the scientific field. It can be used

The Disease Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive condition of the secretory glands, which affects roughly 30,000 individuals in the United States alone (Cohen & Prince, 2012, p. 509). This chronic genetic disorder of the sweat and mucous glands affects a number of different anatomical structures including the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, the exocrine pancreas, and the exocrine sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis results in the production of abnormally thick mucus which can detrimentally