Control of Membrane Function: short-term and long-term

A critical factor in cell-to-cell interactions is the presence in the cell membrane of highly specific ion channels controlled by specific receptors that are bound to, and activated by, a gamut of external hormones and neurotransmitters. Through both this action on ion channels, and action on other membrane components (such as G-proteins), extracellular signals alter intracellular events, usually ...