Sandbox Reserved 969: Difference between revisions
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
Ion channels are '''transmembrane proteins''' which allow ions to pass through biological membranes. Some of these channels are very selective, others have a low level of selectivity. The NaK channel is a '''non-selective''' one : It conduits cations more than anions but it let pass several cations : Na+, K+, Rb+, and Ca2+ [1.1]. | Ion channels are '''transmembrane proteins''' which allow ions to pass through biological membranes. | ||
Some of these channels are very selective, others have a low level of selectivity. The NaK channel is a | |||
'''non-selective''' one : It conduits cations more than anions but it let pass several cations : Na+, K+, Rb+, and Ca2+ [1.1]. | |||
Understanding how these channels work is important because in the organism a lot of '''messages''' are transmitted through electric currents (which are '''ionic currents''' across the membrane) : nerves impulse, photoreceptors, etc. Thus, these not very selective NaK channels are very interesting for the inhibition of intercellular messages for instance. | Understanding how these channels work is important because in the organism a lot of '''messages''' are transmitted through electric currents (which are '''ionic currents''' across the membrane) : nerves impulse, photoreceptors, etc. Thus, these not very selective NaK channels are very interesting for the inhibition of intercellular messages for instance. | ||
