Recent results from x-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics free-energy simulations have revealed the existence of a number of specific cation-binding sites disposed along the narrow pore of the K ؉ channel from Streptomyces lividans (KcsA), suggesting that K ؉ ions might literally ''hop'' in single file from one binding site to the next as permeation proceeds. In support of this view, it was found that the ion configurations correspond to energy wells of similar depth and that ion translocation is opposed only by small energy barriers. Although such features of the multiion potential energy surface are certainly essential for achieving a high throughput rate, diffusional and dissipative dynamical factors must also be taken into consideration to understand how rapid conduction of K ؉ is possible. To elucidate the mechanism of ion conduction, we established a framework theory enabling the direct simulation of nonequilibrium fluxes by extending the results of molecular dynamics over macroscopically long times. In good accord with experimental measurements, the simulated maximum conductance of the channel at saturating concentration is on the order of 550 and 360 pS for outward and inward ions flux, respectively, with a unidirectional flux-ratio exponent of 3. Analysis of the ionconduction process reveals a lack of equivalence between the cation-binding sites in the selectivity filter. molecular dynamics ͉ Brownian dynamics ͉ potential of mean force ͉ membrane potential ͉ Poisson-Boltzmann equation P otassium channels are transmembrane proteins that have the ability to conduct K ϩ ions at nearly the diffusion limit while remaining very selective (1). The availability of high-resolution crystallographic structures (2-4), together with the development of sophisticated computer models (5-10), is providing us with a unique opportunity to refine our understanding of these systems at an unprecedented level. Although the complexity of these channels does present a formidable challenge to biomolecular modeling, it is particularly encouraging to note that many of the recent results from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations based on realistic all-atom models have been consistent with the information emerging from higher-resolution structural data (for a recent review, see ref. 11). In particular, the free-energy profile, or potential of mean force (PMF), associated with the position of three K ϩ along the axis of the pore was calculated with umbrella sampling simulations of the K ϩ channel from Streptomyces lividans (KcsA) embedded in a phospholipid membrane with explicit solvent (5). This MD calculation reproduced the four cation-binding sites (S 1 -S 4 ) located in the narrow selectivity filter that were already known from x-ray diffraction data at 3.2-Å resolution (3) and also anticipated the existence of two additional sites (S ext and S 0 ) located on the extracellular side of the channel, which were observed independently in diffraction data at 2.0-Å resolution (2). This result increased the confidence in the abili...