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The K+ leak channel is the most important ion channel for cells to coordinate activities during synaptic transmission. It is voltage independent and allows K+ ions to move down a concentration gradient when it is opened at resting membrane potential (i.e. -70mV).

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What technology did MacKinnon use to discover the structure of the potassium ion channel?

MacKinnon used X-ray crystallography technology to discover the structure of the potassium ion channel. This technique allowed him to determine the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in the channel at a high resolution, providing insights into its function and mechanism of action.


What is the role of the potassium leak channel in maintaining the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

The potassium leak channel helps maintain the resting membrane potential of a neuron by allowing potassium ions to move out of the cell, which helps balance the positive and negative charges inside and outside the cell. This helps keep the neuron at its resting state, ready to send signals when needed.


Which food has the highest concentration of potassium ion?

Bananas have the highest concentration of potassium ion among common foods.


What is the most important factor influencing potassium ion secretion?

The most important factor influencing potassium ion secretion in the kidneys is the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone promotes the reabsorption of sodium and water in exchange for potassium secretion, helping to regulate potassium levels in the body.


What ion is responsible for depolarization of hair cells of the spiral organ?

The potassium ion is responsible for depolarization of hair cells in the spiral organ. When deflected, potassium channels open, leading to an influx of potassium ions into the cell and depolarization of the cell membrane.

Related Questions

Why increasing extracellular potassium ion reduces the net diffusion of potassium ion out of neuron through the potassium leak channel?

Increasing extracellular potassium ion concentration will create a smaller concentration gradient across the cell membrane, making it less favorable for potassium ions to move out of the neuron through the leak channels. The leak channels are gated by both membrane voltage and concentration gradients, so alterations in extracellular potassium levels can impact the electrochemical equilibrium that regulates potassium movement. Ultimately, this can result in a reduced net diffusion of potassium ions out of the neuron.


What is a sodium ion leak channel?

A sodium ion leak channel is a protein channel in the cell membrane that allows sodium ions to leak into or out of the cell. This helps to maintain the resting membrane potential of the cell by balancing the movement of ions across the membrane. Sodium ion leak channels are important for regulating the excitability of neurons and muscle cells.


What type of transport protein is a sodium potassium pump?

It is a carrier protein


What is the correct name for the potassium ion?

The correct name for the potassium ion is simply "potassium ion."


How does the potassium ion channel selectively allow potassium ions k plus to pass through but block sodium ions Na Plus?

Potassium ion channels have a selectivity filter with specific amino acid residues that are the right size and shape to accommodate potassium ions, but not sodium ions. This size exclusion mechanism allows potassium ions to pass through while effectively blocking sodium ions. Additionally, the charge properties of the selectivity filter can also contribute to the selectivity of the potassium ion channel for potassium ions over sodium ions.


A pore in a cell membrane through witch ions can pass?

Not necessarily. Normally, ions are not small enough to pass through, so they are usually assisted by integrated proteins. However, certain ions such as potassium may sometimes "leak" into or out of the cell membrane due to concentration gradient.


What technology did MacKinnon use to discover the structure of the potassium ion channel?

MacKinnon used X-ray crystallography technology to discover the structure of the potassium ion channel. This technique allowed him to determine the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in the channel at a high resolution, providing insights into its function and mechanism of action.


What is an aminopyrimidine?

An aminopyrimidine is any amino derivative of a pyrimidine, especially 4-aminopyrimidine, a potassium ion channel blocker.


What is the chemical formula for sulfate ion and a Potassium ion?

The potassium ion is K+ and the sulfate ion is SO42-


What is the chemical ion formula for potassium?

The Chemical Formula for Potassium Ion is K+.


What is the role of the potassium leak channel in maintaining the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

The potassium leak channel helps maintain the resting membrane potential of a neuron by allowing potassium ions to move out of the cell, which helps balance the positive and negative charges inside and outside the cell. This helps keep the neuron at its resting state, ready to send signals when needed.


How does the potassium ion channel selectively allow potassium ions k to pass through but block sodium ion Na?

Potassium ion channels are selective to potassium ions due to a filter region that is just the right size to accommodate K+ ions while excluding larger Na+ ions. The filter region contains negatively charged amino acids that attract K+ ions while repelling Na+ ions, further aiding in selectivity. This size and charge-based selectivity allow the potassium ion channel to facilitate the passage of potassium ions while effectively blocking sodium ions.