Ligand-Independent Chloride Ion Channel Activation

**Semantic type:** Phenomenon or Process

**Definition:** A process that involves the detection of and alteration of either the voltage or pH across a membrane, and results in a chloride channel becoming permeable to Cl- and related ions, including HCO3-, I-, SCN- and NO3-. This interaction plays a crucial role in setting the potential of the resting membrane, but also functions to regulate pH, the transport of organic solutes and the migration, differentiation and proliferation of cells.