Final answer:
The claim that the sodium-potassium pump is only found in animal cells is false. It exists in a wide range of cells and plays a critical role in maintaining the electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane by actively transporting Na+ and K+ ions using ATP.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the sodium-potassium pump is found only in animal cells is False. The sodium-potassium pump is ubiquitous in many types of cells, not just animal cells. It is an essential component of the plasma membrane and is critical in maintaining the cell's electrochemical gradient.
This pump utilizes ATP to move sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions against their concentration gradients, specifically, it moves three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell. The energy expenditure from ATP is necessary for the function of the sodium-potassium pump, highlighting its role in active transport.