Paddle Power: Surprising shape of key cellular pore unveiled

Underlying every thought and bodily motion are nerve and muscle cells sending or receiving electrical signals. Driving this activity are voltage-gated ion channels–pores that quickly open or close to various ions depending on the electrical properties of the cell’s membrane.

CHARGED-UP GATEKEEPER. This overhead view of a cellular pore through which potassium ions flow reveals four voltage-sensitive regions (light blue and red).