Final answer:
Gated ion channels are ion channels that can be opened by physiological stimuli, such as electrical or chemical signals. These channels have a gate that can open or close in response to different types of stimuli. Examples include voltage-gated channels, ligand-gated channels, and mechanically-gated channels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gated ion channels are ion channels that can be opened by physiological stimuli. These channels have a gate that can open or close in response to different types of stimuli, such as electrical or chemical signals. For example, in nerve and muscle cells, voltage-gated ion channels open in response to changes in voltage across the membrane, allowing ions to flow in and out of the cell. Other types of gated ion channels include ligand-gated channels, which open when a specific molecule binds to the channel protein, and mechanically-gated channels, which open due to physical distortion of the cell membrane.