Sandbox Reserved 475: Difference between revisions

= <span style="font-size:150%">ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR</span> =

<Structure load='2bg9' size='500' frame='true' align='right'

caption='Refined nicotinic receptor structure at 4.0 &Aring; resolution ([[2bg9]]). 5 chain structure of Ion channels with sequence from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marbled_electric_ray Torpedo marmorata].' scene='' />

<span style="font-size:130%">'''Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor''' (nAChRs) is a neurotransmitter receptor also known as a specialized integral membrane protein. Integral membrane proteins are permanently bound to the phospholipid bilayer. They provide a communication pathway between the internal and external environments of the cell. Acetylcholine receptor proteins reside as ligand-gated ion channels on the motor end plate of the postsynaptic cleft in the neuromuscular junction. '''nAChRs''' as an ionotropic receptor, they are activated by the binding of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter. Once the receptor is activated the ion channel opens allowing the exchange of salt ions. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are responsible for the regulation of sodium (Na+) ion concentration entering and potassium (K+) ion concentration leaving the muscular cytosol, ultimately resulting in an action potential from the differences in electrochemical gradients.</span>

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