Final answer:
The sodium/potassium pump maintains the electrochemical gradient across cell membranes, engages in active transport of Na+ and K+ against their gradients, and develops a negative charge inside the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sodium/potassium pump is primarily responsible for maintaining the electrochemical gradient across cell membranes, which is essential for various cellular functions. This active transport mechanism uses energy from ATP to move three sodium (Na+) ions out of the cell and two potassium (K+) ions into the cell, thereby creating a net loss of positive charge inside the cell. This action results in a higher concentration of potassium and a lower concentration of sodium inside the cell relative to the outside. It also contributes to the development of a negative charge inside the cell, as the cell membrane becomes impermeable to these positive ions, meaning the inside of the cell becomes negatively charged compared to the outside.
Moreover, the sodium/potassium pump's activity is crucial in maintaining the correct concentrations of Na+ and K+ within living cells, which is necessary for functions such as nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. The pump operates in a cycle of six steps, alternating its orientation and affinity for Na+ and K+ to effectively transport these ions against their concentration gradients.