<P> Voltage - gated ion channels are a class of transmembrane proteins that form ion channels that are activated by changes in the electrical membrane potential near the channel . The membrane potential alters the conformation of the channel proteins , regulating their opening and closing . Cell membranes are generally impermeable to ions , thus they must diffuse through the membrane through transmembrane protein channels . They have a crucial role in excitable cells such as neuronal and muscle tissues , allowing a rapid and co-ordinated depolarization in response to triggering voltage change . Found along the axon and at the synapse , voltage - gated ion channels directionally propagate electrical signals . Voltage - gated ion - channels are usually ion - specific , and channels specific to sodium ( Na ) , potassium ( K ) , calcium ( Ca ) , and chloride ( Cl ) ions have been identified . The opening and closing of the channels are triggered by changing ion concentration , and hence charge gradient , between the sides of the cell membrane . </P>
<P> Voltage - gated ion channels are a class of transmembrane proteins that form ion channels that are activated by changes in the electrical membrane potential near the channel . The membrane potential alters the conformation of the channel proteins , regulating their opening and closing . Cell membranes are generally impermeable to ions , thus they must diffuse through the membrane through transmembrane protein channels . They have a crucial role in excitable cells such as neuronal and muscle tissues , allowing a rapid and co-ordinated depolarization in response to triggering voltage change . Found along the axon and at the synapse , voltage - gated ion channels directionally propagate electrical signals . Voltage - gated ion - channels are usually ion - specific , and channels specific to sodium ( Na ) , potassium ( K ) , calcium ( Ca ) , and chloride ( Cl ) ions have been identified . The opening and closing of the channels are triggered by changing ion concentration , and hence charge gradient , between the sides of the cell membrane . </P>
hannels within the structure of the cell membrane are composed of
hannels within the structure of the cell membrane are composed of
transmembrane proteins
transmembrane proteins