Question

ATP directly excites some neurons by GATING a cation channel. What is meant by "gating" in this context?

Answer 1

Are you sure about the word GATING because I think it is GAINING

Answer 2

It is gating for sure. This is neuroscience in action.

Answer 3

If memories serves well pottasium is supposed to be the cation ion in the body so if the question is referring to GATING it probably means it prevents the ion from passing through or aids it in passing through like when you have ligand gated channels. So when ATP is present it causes excitation/ depolarisation of neurons which in turn refers to gating of cation ion.. Hope this helps .. :)