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The Na/K pump would be an example of a symport system. True or false?

User Carele
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Final answer:

The Na/K pump is not a symport system but an antiporter, which uses ATP to transport Na+ and K+ ions across the cellular membrane in opposite directions. A symport system moves two different substances in the same direction, like the sodium-glucose symporter.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the Na/K pump is an example of a symport system is false. The Na/K pump is actually an example of an antiporter, which is a type of active transport pump. It operates by using ATP to move three sodium (Na+) ions out of the cell and two potassium (K+) ions into the cell, both against their respective concentration gradients. This is a case of primary active transport because it directly uses energy from ATP to transport these ions. In contrast, a symporter moves two different substances in the same direction across the membrane. An example illustrating a symporter would be the sodium-glucose symporter, which moves both sodium ions and glucose into the cell simultaneously, often utilizing the sodium gradient established by the Na/K pump as the driving force. This is secondary active transport as it indirectly relies on the energy from the Na/K pump.

User Chenfei
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The correct answer for the given statement above would be false. The Na/K pump would NOT be an example of a symport system. Rather, it is Na+/glucose is considered an example of one. Symport is one of the cotransports along with Antiport. Hope this answers your question.
User Inderpal Singh
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