Are the ion channels normally open at rest, and responsible for the "leak"
currents as well as the resting potential, related to the gated channels
responsible for action, synaptic, and receptor potentials?
I always thought not, arguing that all cells have a resting Na, K, and Cl
permeability but usually not gated channels. Dendrites and axons alike have
leaks, as do cells neurons that are not electrically excitable at all.
In looking deeper, I find references to the "fact" that "all ion channels
are gated", with stable open and closed states. However, I cannot find any
specific mention of the channel type that corresponds to the resting leak.
Do you have any references?
