This article explains about the Ligand-gated ion channels are receptors that open or close ion pathways in response to specific ligands.
Structure of Ligand-gated ion channels:
- Multi-subunit protein with a central ion pore
- Opens or closes in response to ligand (drug/neurotransmitter) binding
Mechanism:
- Ligand binds to receptor
- Ion channel opens
- Specific ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻) move across membrane
- Change in membrane potential or ion concentration triggers cellular effect
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Response Time:
- Milliseconds (very fast)
Examples:
- Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor → Na⁺ influx → depolarization
- GABA-A receptor → Cl⁻ influx → hyperpolarization
- NMDA receptor → Ca²⁺ influx
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