An integral membrane protein that provides for the regulated transport of a specific ions across a membrane.

is a transmembrane pore that allows ions to flow across a membrane. It exists in at least an open and closed state and is regulated by either a change in membrane potential (voltage-gated channels) or the binding of a specific neurotransmitter or chemical substance (ligand-gated or chemically activated channels)

A membrane protein that can let ions pass across the membrane. The channel can be ion-selective, and it can be voltage-gated or ligand-gated.

Protein or group of proteins that form a pore through a cellular membrane allowing a particular class of ions to cross the membrane. Passive channels are always open, while active (or gated) channels are opened or closed by a signal. Examples of the latter include voltage-gated (open state controlled by changes in membrane potential) or ligand-gated (controlled by the binding of a chemical molecule) ion channels.

A protein which allows the passage of ions across a membrane.

a channel or area containing Atoms that have lost or gained electrons

a gate in a membrane that allows the directv hughes passage of certain types of molecules

a membrane protein that allows the passive flow of ions across a cell membrane

a membrane protein with an internal pore that opens in response to chemical and electrical signals, allowing passage of specific ions

an integral membrane protein or more typically an assembly of several proteins

a transmembrane protein that selectively allows the passage of one type of ion across the membrane

a protein structure found on the cell membrane that allows for the entry and exit of specific ions.

Channel in a cell's surface membrane that controls the flow of ions into the cell. Usually specific for certain ions like sodium or potassium.

Transmembrane protein complex that forms a water-filled channel across the lipid bilayer through which specific inorganic ions can diffuse down their electrochemical gradients.

A protein-coated pore in a cell membrane that selectively regulates the diffusion of ions into and out of the cell. An ion channel switches between open and closed when the protein undergoes a conformational change. For more information see Ions cannot cross membranes (University of Washington, USA).

A structure which lets ions enter or leave a cell; ion channels are sometimes paired with neuroreceptors which open or close the channel depending on the presence of a neurotransmitter.

A protein-coated pore in a cell membrane that selectively regulates the diffusion of ions into and out of the cell, allowing only certain ion species to pass through the membrane.

a protein, embedded in a cell membrane that serves as a crossing point for the regulated transfer of an ion or a group of ions across the membrane.

A specialized protein molecule that permits specific ions to enter or leave cells. Some ion channels open or close in response to appropriate neurotransmitter molecules; others open or close in response to voltage changes across the cell membrane. This process regulates depolarization and the firing of nerve impulses.

Ion channels are pore-forming proteins that help to establish and control the small voltage gradient that exists across the plasma membrane of all living cells (see cell potential) by allowing the flow of ions down their electrochemical gradient. They are present in the membranes that surround all biological cells.