What Are Ion Channels? How Tiny Proteins Help Cells Communicate
By
American Physiological Society
Pure flour-power. Hearty enough to carry you through lunch.
Summary
This article explains what ion channels are — tiny proteins found in cell membranes that act as gates to help create signals for cellular communication. It draws an analogy between the 26 letters of the English alphabet and the way ion channels serve as building blocks for biological communication.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledYour body has a similar system to communicate, but instead of letters it uses microscopic structures called ion channels.
Ion channels are tiny proteins found in the membrane of cells.
They do this by acting as little gates that open and close
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