Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology
Inquiry: The University of Arkansas Undergraduate Research Journal
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Voltage Gating Of A Model Membrane Spanning Channel, Eric Miller
Voltage Gating Of A Model Membrane Spanning Channel, Eric Miller
Inquiry: The University of Arkansas Undergraduate Research Journal
Channels in cell membranes are important for intercellular communication and especially for the function of the nervous system in higher vertebrates. These channels consist of proteins made from the 20 common amino acids. Channel proteins are embedded into the lipid bilayer membranes of living cells and function by allowing the specific passage of a positively charged material such as sodium or potassium ions across the membrane in response to an external signal. The external signaloeither a chemical signal or a voltageoregulates the opening and closing of channels. In an attempt to understand the voltage-dependent opening of channels (igatingi), we are …