ion channel

English

ion channel (plural ion channels)

(biochemistry) A protein complex or single protein which penetrates a cell membrane and catalyzes the passage of specific ions through that membrane.
- 2008 Daniels, David. "Ion Channels Play Key Role in R&D". 1 June 2008. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, 28 (11), pg 24. Archived version of cited article; 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, Douglas Fox, ‘Aliens in our midst’, Aeon, 1 August:
  Pleurobrachia was missing many common proteins called ion channels that generate electric signals that travel rapidly down a nerve.

protein complex or single protein which penetrates a cell membrane and catalyzes the passage of specific ions

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