<figcaption>http://www.the-scientist.com/supplementary/flash/24912/1.html Click here to view diagram _blank Credit: ILLUSTRATION: ANDREW MEEHAN</figcaption>
http://www.the-scientist.com/supplementary/flash/24912/1.html Click here to view diagram _blank Credit: ILLUSTRATION: ANDREW MEEHAN

Aspects of ion channels can be studied, like all proteins, using molecular biological techniques but they are unique in that they can be observed, in groups or even individually, in the act of performing their function. The thrill of looking at a single ion channel protein at work is one of the great rewards of patch clamping. (For more on how this technology is progressing see "Patch-clamping unhooked," p. 72.)

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