Nerve ion channel: Contour map (from electron micrograph data) of an acetylcholine receptor,a large molecule that controls the transmission of a nerve impulse. Acetylcholine,a neurotransmitter,is released across the junction (synapse) between adjacent nerve cells to bind to receptors on the target cell membrane. A shape change associated with bound neurotransmitter/receptor results in pores (ion channels) opening for a fraction of a second. Sodium & potassium ions flood through,altering the electrical potential & firing a second nerve impulse. The ion channel (centre) appears closed | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / King-Holmes, James |
Taille de l’image : | 2476 px × 3636 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |