need help with this question Some voltage-gated channels can inactivate while so
ID: 164087 • Letter: N
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need help with this question
Some voltage-gated channels can inactivate while some ligand-gated channels can desensitize. Describe the difference between inactivation and desensitization of an ion channel. Give one concrete example of a channel that is known to inactivate (besides the typical action potential Na^+ channel discussed in class) and one concrete example of a channel that is known to desensitize (besides the glutamate channel discussed in class). You will need to search the literature.Explanation / Answer
1. 'Inactivation' is the closing of the inactivation gate; as with activation, inactivation occurs in response to the voltage inside the membrane becoming more positive, but often inactivation is found to be delayed in time compared to activation.
Neurotransmitter receptors are subject to ligand-induced desensitization. They can become unresponsive upon prolonged exposure to their neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitter receptors are present on both postsynaptic neurons and presynaptic neurons with the former being used to receive neurotransmitters and the latter for the purpose of preventing further release of a given neurotransmitter. In addition to being found in neuron cells, neurotransmitter receptors are also found in various immune and muscle tissues. Neurotransmitter receptors are known to become unresponsive to the type of neurotransmitter they receive when exposed for extended periods of time. This phenomenon is known as ligand-induced desensitization.
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