protein channel

channel /chan·nel/ (chan´ĕl) that through which anything flows; a cut or groove.

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gated channel  a protein channel that opens and closes in response to signals, such as binding of a ligand (ligand-gated c.) or changes in the electric potential across the cell membrane (voltage-gated c.) .

potassium channel  a voltage-gated protein channel selective for the passage of potassium ions.

protein channel  a watery pathway through the interstices of a protein molecule by which ions and small molecules can cross a membrane into or out of a cell by diffusion.

sodium channel  a voltage-gated protein channel selective for the passage of sodium ions.

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protein channel

n.

See channel.