Channel Conductance

Channel Conductance

To the tune of “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey

[Verse 1]
At resting potentials, the m-gate is closed
But the h-gate is wide open
Both gates will respond to depolarization
But with different speeds and in opposite directions

 [Verse 2]
The m-gates open right away
h-gate closure is delayed
These gates are responsible for sodium channel conductance

 [Pre-Chorus]
Sodium entry, during depolarization
Is a positive feedback loop
Depolarization, causes permeability
To increase even further too

[Verse 3]
Voltage-gated channels for potassium are closed
At the resting membrane potential
The n-gate will respond to depolarization
Unlike sodium channel’s m-gate there is a much slower response

[Pre-Chorus] 
n-gate opening is pretty much at the same time as
Sodium channel h-gate closure
The n-gates stay open, till hyperpolarization
And then they finally close

[Chorus]
Action potentials are driven by ion channels
And their changing conductance
Action potentials are driven by ion channels
And their changing conductance
Action potentials are driven by ion channels
And their changing conductance
Action potentials