Question

What does sodium-potassium pump do?

Answer 1

The sodium-potassium pump is an active transport mechanism that moves sodium ions out of a cell and potassium ions into the cell using a carrier protein and ATP. It works in six steps.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sodium-potassium pump is an active transport mechanism in which sodium ions are pumped out of a cell and potassium ions are pumped into the cell with the help of a carrier protein and energy from ATP. The pump works in six steps:

1. Three sodium ions bind to the protein.
2. ATP is hydrolyzed by the protein carrier and a low-energy phosphate group attaches to it.
3. The carrier changes shape and opens towards the exterior of the membrane. The three sodium ions are released.
4. Two potassium ions attach to the protein, causing a conformational change.
5. The carrier opens towards the interior of the membrane. The two potassium ions are released.
6. The carrier protein returns to its original shape, ready to repeat the process.

Answer 2

The sodium-potassium pump is found in our cellular membranes, where it is in charge of generating a gradient of ions. It continually pumps sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, powered by ATP.