ion channel

English

ion channel (plural ion channels)

(biochemistry) A protein complex or single protein that spans between both sides of a cell membrane and allows specific ions to pass through.
- 2008 Daniels, David. "Ion Channels Play Key Role in R&D". 1 June 2008. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, 28 (11), pg 24.; archived 2 January 2010. ISSN 1935-472X. OCLC 77706455.
  Ion channels, which facilitate this movement, are protein assemblies that penetrate the membrane and catalyze passage of specific ions such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), or calcium (Ca2+) into or out of the cell down the electrochemical gradient.
- 2017 August 1, Douglas Fox, “Aliens in our midst”, in Aeon‎:
  Pleurobrachia was missing many common proteins called ion channels that generate electric signals that travel rapidly down a nerve.

membrane protein(s) allowing ions to pass

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