Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis

Channel proteins are certain proteins that control the diffusion of a certain substance (usually an ion) in and out of a cell. The proteins are made up of a lipid bi-layer surrounded by numerous protein sub-particles. Each channel protein is programmed to let in that certain substance if it fits the size and shape of the ion channel. When heredity or other factors (could be pathogenic or a toxin) mutate these channel, serious problems arise.
I am doing my paper on the disease Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, which does exactly as it says; periodically paralyzes the person it affects. This particular disease is caused by a mutation in the SCN4A sodium channel in the skeletal muscles. This channel usually lets the sodium in and out of the nerve cell for nerve depolarization during muscle contractions. However...