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Membrane Transport
All domains of life
Ion Channel Signaling
Selective ion flux through membrane channels driving electrical and chemical signals.
Overview
Ion channels allow selective passage of ions down electrochemical gradients. Voltage-gated channels drive action potentials, ligand-gated respond to neurotransmitters, mechanosensitive respond to physical forces.
Cellular Location
Plasma membrane, ER membrane, mitochondria
Clinical Significance
Basis of all electrical signaling; channelopathies cause epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias; major drug targets.