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AAT Bioquest

What are the types of channel proteins depending on their function in the cell?

Posted January 22, 2024


Answer

There are two types of channel proteins depending on their function in the cell: 

Non-gated channel proteins: These channel proteins remain open all the time, offering unhindered passage to ions and water through the cell membrane without any resistance. Non-gated channel proteins are less common as they are unable to sufficiently regulate what substances pass through the membrane

Gated channel proteins: These channel proteins remain closed at all times. They open to allow substances to pass through the cell membrane only after receiving specific stimuli from the environment. 

Additional resources

Ion channel regulation by protein S-acylation

Cell Signaling

Intracellular Ion Assay Kits for Potassium and Chloride Channels