Ion Channels: Molecules in Action - Softcover

Aidley, David J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521498821 ISBN 13: 9780521498821

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review

'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

Book Description

Located in cell membranes, ion channels determine the passage of ions across them. Ion Channels examines the molecular structure of channels, which helps explain their permeability and selectivity, their gating and modulation, their responses to drugs and toxins, and the diseases caused when they do not function properly.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521498821
• ISBN 13: 9780521498821
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320