Question

In nerve cells the sodium-potassium pump is used to generate gradients of both sodium and potassium ions to propagate electrical signals that travel along nerves. This is a(n)

Answer 1

Hi!

This is an active transport mechanism

This is because the sodium-potassium pump functions to pump ions against the concentration gradient, which is the form of transport that requires energy in the form of ATP.

The concentration of Sodium ions outside the membrane is higher than the inside, with the concentration of Potassium ions being higher on the inside. This is a state of disequilibrium that is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump which actively transports Sodium ions outside the membrane, and Potassium ions inside the membrane -with three sodium ions transferred outside for two ions of potassium transferred inside.

The sodium-potassium membrane establishes the resting membrane potential, and allows the generation and propagation of electrical impulses along the nerves.

(Refer to attached picture for clarity)

Hope this helps!