Voltage-Gated Ion Channel

Voltage-Gated Ion Channel: Activation States

In the closed resting state, the cell membrane is polarized, the extracellular portion of the pore is closed while the intracellular gating mechanism remains open. Upon activation, the membrane depolarizes, opening the extracellular portion of the pore and allowing the ion to enter the cell. The refractory period occurs while the membrane is still depolarized, the gating mechanism has closed the intracellular portion of the pore, rendering the channel inactive.

Back to Top