Lesson 21:  Ion Channels

• Describe what an ion channel is and the specific properties of the substance that forms the channel
• Outline the difference and define what is meant by voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels
• Describe the structure of voltage gated sodium ion channels and potassium ion channels to explain how they work.  Understand the role of these ion channels in moving nerve pulses down an axon
• Understand the role and the basic general mechanism of G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR) in cell signaling processes; explain the importance of these receptors in the pharmaceutical industry
• Understand and be able to clearly explain the physical basis for the selectivity of sodium and potassium ion channels
• Understand how increased permeability can affect voltage-gated ion channels