ion channel

n=2

Cat As Ion......

a: Ion channel ~
b: cat door

What: "The ion channel is like a cat door. It allows the ions to move through the membrane by making a sort of tunnel. My cats' door can be set to open in both directions, only one direction, or stay closed. So I can keep them on either side of the big door. Ion channels can be like this too. They may always be open, but it is more likely that they will only be open at certain times."

Useful?
Writer: Not Stated
LCC:
Where:
Date: May 9 2013 7:21 PM


A Water Tunnel????

a: Ion channel ~
b: a tube filled with water

What: "Neurons have a special class of proteins in their membrane called ion channels, which move ions from the inside to the outside of the cell (or the other way). An ion channel is like a tube filled with water so that an ion can cross the membrane without ever encountering the fat of the membrane, which would stop its movement. The tube (channel) can open and close on command of the cell, in about a thousandth of a second."

Useful?
Writer: Scientist Bill
LCC:
Where:
Date: May 9 2013 7:24 PM



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METAMIA is a free database of analogy and metaphor. Anyone can contribute or search. The subject matter can be anything. Science is popular, but poetry is encouraged. The goal is to integrate our fluid muses with the stark literalism of a relational database. Metamia is like a girdle for your muses, a cognitive girdle.