In this chapter, the electron-gating model for the outward-rectifying potassium channels, in particular Shaker and Loligo opalescens - the potassium channel characterized by the rate constants of Hodgkin and Huxley are described. The potassium channel geometry presented is considered to be the most likely configuration, given the constraints imposed by the electron-gating model, the amino acid sequence, and published experimental observations.

Chapter Contents:

• 9.1 Activation and inactivation of Kv channels
• 9.2 Structural constraints for activation gating
• 9.3 Influx gating latch-up and TEA+ sensitivity
• 9.4 K/Na selectivity ratio
• 9.5 C-type inactivation gating
• 9.6 Coupling between tunnel-track electrons
• 9.7 Kinetics and inactivation depend on far sites

Inspec keywords: potassium; bioelectric phenomena; molecular biophysics; molecular configurations; rectification; proteins

Other keywords: amino acid sequence; proteins; electron-gated K⁺ channels; Loligo opalescens model; electron-gating model; Hodgkin-Huxley rate constants; outward-rectifying potassium channels; Shaker model

Subjects: Macromolecular constitution (chains and sequences); Bioelectricity; Biomolecular structure, configuration, conformation, and active sites