Animal Research
The voltage-gated K+ channels that provide the outward currents of action potentials have similarities to bacterial K+ channels.
These channels have been studied by X-ray diffraction, allowing determination of structural features at atomic resolution.
The function of these channels is explored by electrophysiological studies.
Genetic approaches include screening for behavioral changes in animals with mutations in K+ channel genes. Such genetic methods allowed the genetic identification of the "Shaker" K+ channel gene in Drosophila before ion channel gene sequences were well known.
Study of the altered properties of voltage-gated K+ channel proteins produced by mutated genes has helped reveal the functional roles of K+ channel protein domains and even individual amino acids within their structures.
Read more about this topic: Voltage-gated Potassium Channel
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