ASSIGNMENT 1

1. Transmembrane proteins that span across the lipid bilayer of a cell

membrane permitting movement of ions such as sodium, potassium into and
out of the cell. This action of the ion channels leads to an establishment of
an action potential across the cell membrane.
2. Answer 2
Voltage-gated channels: potassium and sodium channels. Found in

nerves.
Extracellular ligand-gated channels: GABA, Glycine receptor channels;
these channels are regulated by hormones or neurotransmitters. Present in

nerve and muscle cells.

Intracellular ligand-gated channels: CFTR, ATP, cAMP, cGMP.

3. Answer 3
Ion channels are selective; not all ions can pass through. This property

depends on the size of the ion and the charge it carries.

Can be open or closed; only selectively permeable ions can flow through

when an ion channel is open.

Quick transport of selectively permeable ions.

4. Answer 4
Voltage clamp: controlling of membrane potential.
Patch clamp: Cell attached patch clamp (cell intact) , Inside out patch
(patch pulled loosely from the cell) and Whole cell recording (patch sucked

out using micropipette which is attached to the rest of the cell membrane).
X-ray crystallization: tracing atoms in a protein.
Electron microscopy
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR): determination of short

transmembrane peptides placed in organic solvents.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction): finding the mutation in a codon of Na+
channel by using primers.

Mutagenesis: Changing the sequence of specific amino acids in proteins.

5. Answer 5
A)

Concentration differences of ions on either side of a membranes - diffusion

potentials - gives rise to a RMP, specially of ions with high permeability which
have a greater effect on the RMP.

B)

Action potential generation causes structural changes in the ion channels

causing them to open to let passage of ions.

Depolarization cause the membrane potential to become more negative

when the sodium channel opens.

Repolarization causes the membrane to return to its resting state. This

occurs when voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels are closed.

Depolarization results in a prolongation of a nerve impulse.

6. Answer 6
Neurotransmitters are chemical messenger that bring about a change in the
structural change in the ligand-gated ion channels allowing the ions to pass

through.
The ions pass from the region of their high concentration to low

concentration when the channel is open.

Depolarization occurs as the positively charged ion pass to the inside and
repolarization occurs if there is influx of negatively charged ions.

7. Answer 7
Ligand-gated ion channels: The type of ligand that attaches to the receptor

determines the opening and the closing of these channels.

Volume-regulated ion channels: Increase in volume of cell causes release of
ions that influence cell activity.

Eosinophil cells of the human immune system regulate cell activity and

protection against foreign invaders.

Regulation mainly by protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylating of
serine, tyrosine residues.

8. Answer 8
Calcium channel blockers: inhibition of calcium input in neurons no

excitatory response. E.g. Valproate, Etosuximid. Used as anti-epileptics.

Sodium channel blockers: inhibition of sodium influx.
GABA receptor agonist: Benzodiazepines - enhance GABA receptor

activity.
NMDA receptor antagonist: ketamine injectable anesthetic.
Insulin secretagogues: inhibit potassium channels (depolarization) and

promote insulin release.

Cardiac glycosides: Digoxin - inhibit Na+ K+ ATPase. Decrease in active
transport of sodium and potassium causing a influx of calcium into cell

leading to cardiac muscle contraction.

Proton pump inhibitors: Omeprazole.
Anti-depressants: Serotonin.