Question

Describe how voltage sensitive ion channels work.

Answer 1

Ans- Voltage sensitive ion channels are ion-specific channel like sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (Cl-) ions. The opening and closing of the channels are activated by changing ion concentration and thus forming a charge gradient between both sides of the cell membrane. When a stimulus is applied at a site on polarised membrane, then rapid influx of Na+ ions followed by reversal of polarity at that site. As a result outer surface of the membrane becomes negatively charged and inner side become positively charged. The polarity of membrane becomes reversed and hence depolarised. The electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane at that site is called action potential.