Voltage-gated potassium channel. Computer model showing the molecular structure of a voltage-gated potassium (Kv) ion channel. Ion channels are membra
Voltage-gated potassium channel. Computer model showing the molecular structure of a voltage-gated potassium (Kv) ion channel. Ion channels are membrane-spanning proteins that form pores in cell membranes and act as pathways for the movement of inorganic ions into and out of the cell. Kv channels are specific to potassium ions (K+) and are sensitive to voltage changes in the cell's membrane potential. During action potentials in nerve cells, they play a crucial role in returning the depolarised cell to a resting state. The channel is a tetramer, composed of four subunits. The pink spheres are potassium ions in the selectivity filter (centre) in the upper part of the channel. This selectivity filter acts to prevent smaller sodium ions (Na+) from passing through the Kv channel. The yellow structures highlighted are primarily alpha helices that make up the protein's secondary structure.
Size: 4827px × 3620px
Photo credit: © RAMON ANDRADE 3DCIENCIA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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