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Home Q & A Board Biology-Related Homework Help Cell Biology
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Riyan Riyan
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11 years ago
Can an ion channel move ions against their gradient? I know that pumps do this, but in the case of a nerve action potential, the Na+ ions or K+ ions can move in terms of charge potential, even if it defies their concentration gradient.
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#1
11 years ago
Well, yes. Active transport systems can move substances against the gradient, which is why they require energy.
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#2
11 years ago
No.  Think of an ion channel as a hole in the cell designed to allow specific ions passage.  Consequently, ions can only flow from most concentrated to least concentrated following the laws of diffusion.  Control is exerted by modulating expression of the channel and the opening/closing of the channel through a variety of mechanisms.
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