Ion Channels in the Cell Membrane: Structure, Function, and Modeling

Ion channels are integral membrane proteins found on the membrane of all cells and play important roles in cell signaling. These ubiquitous proteins are evolutionarily conserved in elementary form and function across organisms as diverse as bacteria, flies, and humans - a testament to the fundamental necessity of ion channels for an organism's survival. Diseases linked to ion channel dysfunction, such as epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes, illustrate the importance of ion channels in physiology. This chapter will examine the structure, function, and physiological roles of ion channels with special emphasis on voltage-gated channels.