membrane, pore-forming proteins (single or whole complexes) that allow ions to pass through the pores of the channel. Their functions include the creation of a resting membrane potential, the formation of action potentials and other electrical signals by regulating the flow of ions through the cell membrane. Ion channels are present in the membranes of all cells. Such complexes are a collection of identical or homologous proteins densely packed in the lipid bilayer of the membrane around the water pore. The channels are located in the plasmalemma and some of the inner membranes of the cell.
Ions of Na+ (sodium), K+ (potassium), Cl− (chlorine) and Ca2+ (calcium) pass through ion channels. Due to the opening and closing of ion channels, the concentration of ions on different sides of the membrane changes and a shift in the membrane potential occurs. Channel proteins consist of subunits that form a structure with a complex spatial configuration, in which, in addition to the pore, there are usually molecular systems of opening, closing, selectivity, inactivation, reception, and regulation. Ion channels may have multiple sites (sites) to bind to the control substances. The study of ion channels often involves biophysics, electrophysiology, and pharmacology, using techniques such as Potage Clamp, patch clamp, immunohistochemistry, X-ray crystallography, fluoroscopy, and RT-PCR. Their classification as molecules is called channelomics.