Channel proteins are selective. Each channel protein has a structure that permits only a particular type of ion or small molecule to pass through it. To what does the term gated channel refer?

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Jaycee Wade

Biology

6 January, 05:18

Channel proteins are selective. Each channel protein has a structure that permits only a particular type of ion or small molecule to pass through it. To what does the term gated channel refer?

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Answer & explanation:

Channel proteins are specific types of proteins that have aqueous channels along their molecules and are associated with substance transport.

These proteins act passively because they are part of the passive transport of cells, since there is no energy expenditure to internalize the substances, they enter the protein channels requiring a favorable concentration gradient for this process to occur.

Channel proteins may have gated or non-gated channels.

Non-gated channels spend most of their time open allowing ions to move with no restrictions; Gated channels allow regulation of the movement of molecules between the fluid intracellular and extracellular. These channels remain closed until they receive a specific chemical or electrical signal.