Voltage gating is a mechanism that controls the opening and closing of ion channels in response to changes in electrical voltage across a cell membrane. When the membrane potential reaches a certain threshold, the channel undergoes a conformational change, allowing ions to flow in or out of the cell. This process is crucial for the generation and propagation of electrical signals in neurons and muscle cells. This gating mechanism is essential for various physiological functions, including action potentials in neurons and muscle contraction. Voltage-gated ion channels, such as sodium and potassium channels, play a key role in these processes, ensuring that cells can respond rapidly to stimuli and maintain their electrical balance.