over 300 types of ion channels are there.
over 300 types of ion channels are there.
how many types of ion channels are there?
over 300
section::::diversity.









































there are over 300 types of ion channels just in the cells of the inner ear. ion channels may be classified by the nature of their gating, the species of ions passing through those gates, the number of gates (pores) and localization of proteins.









































further heterogeneity of ion channels arises when channels with different constitutive subunits give rise to a specific kind of current. absence or mutation of one or more of the contributing types of channel subunits can result in loss of function and, potentially, underlie neurologic diseases.









































section::::diversity.:classification by gating.
ion channel
light-gated ion channel









































light-gated ion channels are a family of ion channels regulated by electromagnetic radiation. other gating mechanisms for ion channels include voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, mechanosensitive ion channels, and temperature-gated ion channels. most light-gated ion channels have been synthesized in the laboratory for study, although two naturally occurring examples, channelrhodopsin and anion-conducting channelrhodopsin, are currently known. photoreceptor proteins, which act in a similar manner to light-gated ion channels, are generally classified instead as g protein-coupled receptors.









































section::::mechanism.
light-gated ion channel