ion channel

English

Noun

ion channel (plural ion channels)

1. (biochemistry) A protein complex or single protein that spans between both sides of a cell membrane and allows specific ions to pass through.
   • 2008 Daniels, David. "Ion Channels Play Key Role in R&D". 1 June 2008. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, 28 (11), pg 24.; archived 2 January 2010. ISSN 1935-472X. OCLC 77706455.

     Ion channels, which facilitate this movement, are protein assemblies that penetrate the membrane and catalyze passage of specific ions such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), or calcium (Ca2+) into or out of the cell down the electrochemical gradient.

   • 2017 August 1, Douglas Fox, “Aliens in our midst”, in Aeon‎^[1]:

     Pleurobrachia was missing many common proteins called ion channels that generate electric signals that travel rapidly down a nerve.

Translations

membrane protein(s) allowing ions to pass

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 離子通道 / 离子通道 (lízǐ tōngdào)

• French: canal ionique (fr) m
• German: Ionenkanal m
• Hungarian: ioncsatorna
• Polish: kanał jonowy m
• Russian: ио́нный кана́л m (iónnyj kanál)