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Ion channels are crucial components of living cells. Situated in the cell's membranes. they allow particular ions to pass from one side of the membrane to the other. In recent years the patch clamp technique has allowed the activity of individual channels to be measured, and recombinant DNA technology has led to fascinating detail on their structure. Together, these technical advances have produced a great flowering of knowledge and understanding about the subject, itself leading to further breakthroughs in science and medicine. Ion Channels provides an introduction to this scientific endeavour. It emphasises the molecular structure of channels as determined by gene cloning technology. This knowledge illuminates discussions of the permeability and selectivity of channels, their gating and modulation, their responses to drugs and toxins and the human diseases caused when they do not function properly.
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Ions on the move
3. Investigating channel activity
4. Molecular structures
5. Permeability and selectivity
6. Gating and modulation
7. Drugs and toxins
8. Dysfunctional channels in human disease
9. Not the last word
References
Index
"This well-written and well-illustrated book summarises the background and the recent advances. It is aimed at an undergraduate audience but could be understood by any non-specialist with an interest in this area."
- J. A. Lee, Biologist
"[...] nine brilliant chapters [...] excellently well presented and will be of a very great help, not only for students, but also for already well established scientists."
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
"[...] an excellent book: it is clear, focused and honest [...] it will hopefully whet the appetite of students and prepare them for more-advanced texts, both in physiology and in biophysical chemistry."
- Philippe Ascher, Trends in Neurosciences
"[...] (a) clear introduction to the physics, chemistry, and molecular biology used for ion channel research [...] The authors have done a fantastic job in presenting a balanced view and in pointing out unsettled areas."
- Lilly Yeh Jan, Cell
"I consider this book a valuable and timely volume that provides a fairly comprehensive coverage of the molecular aspects underlying channel functon [...] useful and illuminating."
- Antonio Ferrer-Montiel, Trends in Cell Biology
"[...] a valuable and timely volume that provides a fairly comprehensive coverage of the molecular aspects underlying channel function [...] useful and illuminating to those scientists unfamiliar with the recent progress in the ion-channel arena."
- Trends in Cell Biology
"[...] an authoritative yet easily readable text [...] there is no better book available."
- Alistair Mathie, Experimental Physiology
"In an excellent manner the reader is introduced into the theoretical and technical background of membrane electricity [...]"
- Rainer Hedrich, Journal of Plant Physiology
"[...] a very good, balanced overview of the structure and function of such channels."
- Nature
