(Left) K+ ion (magenta sphere) is shown bound in the S2 site of the selectivity filter (green ribbon). The backbone carbonyl groups of the S2 site are shown as spheres. (Right) View looking down the ...
Larger K+ (ionic radius: 1.3 Å) can selectively permeate larger Na + (ionic radius: 1.0 Å) through biological potassium ion channels, with selectivity ratios greater than 1000-fold. Scientists have ...