The program illustrates the basic concept of a ligand-gated ion
channel embedded in the cell membrane. An attached screen shows
further details of the gross structure of this type of receptor
and that often, two agonist molecules must be bound for receptor
activation.
Some of the various sorts of ligand-gated ion channel channels
found in the body are listed together with their major gating ligands
and their speed of response is illustrated. The skeletal neuromuscular
junction is used as an example of an excitatory ligand-gated ion
channel and the GABAA
receptor as an example of an inhibitory channel
The processes involved in the transmission of an impulse through
junctions are explored, together with the transmembrane signal transduction
mechanisms and their effect on current flow across the cell membrane.
The effects of competitive and depolarising neuromuscular blockers
are shown at the neuromuscular junction.
A summary screen highlights the main points in the program and
allows users to jump directly to any appropriate part of the program. |