Lsn 11: Thermodynamics of Ion Channels

• Thermodynamics
• Understand and be able to use the Second Law of Thermodynamics to predict reaction spontaneity
• Clearly explain how spontaneity is related to Free Energy change.
• Explain Free Energy changes associated with ATP-ADP interconversion; discuss and effectively use the concept of coupled reaction energetics
• Ion Channels
• Understand the relative intracellular and extracellular concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride ions
• Understand the sodium-potassium pump mechanism to maintain ion concentration gradients and the array of energetics associated with this
• 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
• Neurochemistry
• Be able to relate concentrations to associated electric potentials (e.g. Nernst Equation) and changes in Free Energy
• Demonstrate the ability to calculate Free Energy changes, equilibrium constants, and electric potentials associated with given reactions
• Explain and calculate cell membrane potentials associated with ion concentration gradients
• Relate resting membrane potential to ion permeability and to intracellular/extracellular concentrations
• Calculate Free Energy changes necessary to move substances across concentration gradients and to move ions across potential gradients