what is the role of electrically charged ions in the brain
ION CHANNELS. Trafficking of small charged molecules (ions) thru the cell membrane of neurons determine their ability to signal and respond to each other. The electric charges of ions are in fact responsible for the membrane potential and action potential. But since the cell membrane is almost totally impermeable to ions, there is a need to use specialized cellular devices that can transport ions in and out of the cell thru the membrane. These devices are called ion channels.