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The structure responsible for the sodium and potassium ions switching places across the semipermeable membrane is known as the_______

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Final answer:

The sodium-potassium pump is the structure that moves sodium and potassium ions across the semipermeable membrane of cells, using ATP to drive the ions against their concentration gradients.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structure responsible for the sodium and potassium ions switching places across the semipermeable membrane is known as the sodium-potassium pump. This pump is critical for maintaining the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane. Operating through active transport and powered by ATP, the sodium-potassium pump moves three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, each against its concentration gradient. The action of the pump is essential for a variety of cellular functions, including generating action potentials in nerve cells.

User Melhosseiny
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