Channels that open when they come in contact with specific chemicals are known as
A)sodium-potassium pumps.
B)ligand-gated channels.
C)voltage-dependent channels.
D)phospholipids pumps.

Question

Channels that open when they come in contact with specific chemicals are known as 
A)sodium-potassium pumps. 
B)ligand-gated channels. 
C)voltage-dependent channels. 
D)phospholipids pumps.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ligand-gated channels are channels that open when they come in contact with specific chemicals or molecules. These channels are found in the nervous system, where they play a critical role in transmitting signals between neurons. When a ligand, such as a neurotransmitter, binds to the channel, it causes the channel to open, allowing ions to pass through and generate an electrical signal.

Option A is incorrect as sodium-potassium pumps are proteins that actively transport Na+ and K+ ions across the cell membrane, maintaining the resting potential of cells.

Option C is also incorrect as voltage-dependent channels open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential, not in response to specific chemicals.

Option D is incorrect as phospholipid pumps do not exist, and pumps in general do not typically refer to ion channels.

Channels That Open When They Come in Contact with Specific