Question:
Peripheral chemoreceptors respond to hypoxia using which channel?
Peripheral chemoreceptors respond to hypoxia using which channel?
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Hypoxia inhibits an O2-sensitive K+ channel in glomus cells, depolarizing them.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Calcium channel
- Sodium channel
- Potassium channel
- Chloride channel
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The peripheral chemoreceptors are the carotid and aortic bodies. The carotid body contains glomus (type I) cells, which are the initial site of oxygen sensing.
Step 2: The accepted model is that an oxygen-sensitive potassium (K+) channel acts as the O2 sensor. So the answer is potassium channel (option c).
Step 3: During hypoxia, the K+ channel is inhibited, which depolarizes the glomus cell membrane. This depolarization opens voltage-gated calcium channels, raising cytosolic Ca2+ and triggering neurotransmitter release onto the afferent nerve endings, increasing sensory discharge to the respiratory centre.
Step 4: Calcium channel (a) is downstream of the K+ event and drives transmitter release, but it is not the primary O2 sensor. Sodium (b) and chloride (d) channels are not the hypoxia-sensing channels in glomus cells.
Step 2: The accepted model is that an oxygen-sensitive potassium (K+) channel acts as the O2 sensor. So the answer is potassium channel (option c).
Step 3: During hypoxia, the K+ channel is inhibited, which depolarizes the glomus cell membrane. This depolarization opens voltage-gated calcium channels, raising cytosolic Ca2+ and triggering neurotransmitter release onto the afferent nerve endings, increasing sensory discharge to the respiratory centre.
Step 4: Calcium channel (a) is downstream of the K+ event and drives transmitter release, but it is not the primary O2 sensor. Sodium (b) and chloride (d) channels are not the hypoxia-sensing channels in glomus cells.
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