Neuron Ion Channels - Detailed

Inward rectifying potassium channels.  This is what started all this.  Just a little paranthetical aside in my Neuroscience teacher's notes that left me curious.  One thing led to another, and here we are.  Ion channels.  Hope you learn something like I did.  Enjoy!

A plethora of potassium channels
Here is a short video showing the molecular structure of a Potassium channel and how it can be perfectly selective to allow Potassium and not Sodium through.

And look at this beautiful top view of a potassium channel with a little purple potassium ion in the center.

Inward-Rectifying Potassium Channels
What does inward-rectifying mean?  Simply put, it just means that voltage travels inward more easily than outward.  So this name tells us that Potassium will move into a cell when open.
(Example - cardiac muscle cells- responsible for the long refractory period between beats, to avoid tetany; kidneys, regulating potassium ions

Action Potentials: Delayed Rectifier Potassium Channels & A Type Channels (outwardly rectifying)



Tandem Pore Domain Potassium Channels (Leak Channels)

Voltage Gated Potassium Channels




********This post under construction!  I just found a textbook with an entire chapter on ion channels, so after I study for my test I will dive into this and finish the post...  thank you for not hating me too much for leaving you hanging.  You'll just have to subscribe to learn more! :)