The author is in the Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. SwartzK@ninds.nih.gov
Structural studies of potassium channels suggest that opening of the gate involves large changes in the intracellular pore aperture, leaving a pore diameter >12 Å. A recent mechanistic study on eukaryotic voltage-activated potassium channels points to an alternative picture of opening, including a smaller open pore and possibly a unique hinge or swivel point.
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