Structural Biochemistry/Membrane Proteins/Ion Channels/Ion channels

Ion Channels: make the movement of ions to be fast across the hydrophobic barrier or the membrane. The use of Patch-clamp techniques allow the activity of single ion-channel molecules to be observed. Many ion channels have a common structural framework. Potassium channels: hydrated potassium ions must transiently lose their coordinated water molecules as the move to the narrowest part of the channel (selectivity filter)