Question

Na⁺ is released from its binding site on the Na⁺/K⁺ pump as a result of

a) ATP hydrolysis.
b) Sodium binding.
c) Potassium binding.
d) Conformational change.

Answer 1

Na+ ions are released from the Na+/K+ pump's binding site due to a conformational change following ATP hydrolysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sodium-potassium (Na+/K+) pump releases Na+ ions from its binding site as a result of conformational change. This conformational change is initiated by the hydrolysis of ATP, which provides the energy for the pump to function. The ATPase domain of the pump hydrolyzes ATP, leaving a phosphate attached to the pump and inducing several allosteric changes.

After the Na+ ions are released into the extracellular fluid, K+ ions bind to the pump, which leads to the hydrolysis of the phosphate group from the pump protein, eventually releasing the K+ ions into the cytosol as the pump returns to its original conformation.