Ions diffuse across the membrane via ion channels. There are 3 types:

Ungated (Leak) Ion Channel

• Always open
• Direction the ion moves depends upon electrochemical forces • Important for determining resting membrane potential of a cell

Voltage-Gated Ion Channel

• Open/closed state is determined primarily by membrane potential (voltage)
• Change in membrane potential may open or close the channel

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel

• Channel contains a receptor
• State of the channel (open or closed) is influenced by the binding of a ligand to the receptor
• Under most circumstances, the binding of the ligand opens the channel 

Pathology Revision + GT - Rs. 999/- You will get access to all till NEET - You can enrol to Subscribe here today (Pathology Revision + GT)