Question

What role do leak channels and gated-protein channels play in excitable cells?

Answer 1

Answer:

The leak channels allow Na+ and K+ to move across the cell membrane down their gradients (from a high concentration toward a lower concentration). With the combined ion pumping and leakage of ions, the cell can maintain a stable resting membrane potential.

Explanation:

Complete block of sodium channels would be lethal. However, these drugs selectively block sodium channels in depolarized and/or rapidly firing cells, such as axons carrying high-intensity pain information and rapidly firing nerve and cardiac muscle cells that drive epileptic seizures or cardiac arrhythmias.

Answer 2

Answer:

The leak channels allow Na+ and K+ to move across the cell membrane down their gradients (from a high concentration toward a lower concentration). With the combined ion pumping and leakage of ions, the cell can maintain a stable resting membrane potential.