Differences between ligand gated ion channels and voltage gated ion channel

LIGAND GATED ION CHANNELS:

1. These channels are cell membrane receptors that are activated by neurotransmitters and this causes the opening of ion channel causing depolarization of the cell.
2. Responsible for establishing resting membrane potential.
3. Activated by binding of ligands to the channel receptor.
4. It is a receptor mediated ion channel.
5. Non specific ion channels
6. E.g., Acetylcholine receptor channel.

VOLTAGE GATED ION CHANNEL:

1. These channels are ion channels also present on the membrane but are activated by a change in voltage across the membrane and this will cause the ion channel to open and start depolarization of the cell membrane.
2. Responsible for shaping action potentials.
3. Activated by changes in voltage gradient across plasma membrane.
4. It transmits fast action potential from cell body to axon terminal in neurons.
5. These ion channel are specific.
6. E.g., K+ channel.