Question

The Na+/K+ pump transports _______ into the cell and ________ out of the cell per cycle.

A. 3Na+, 2K+
B. 2Na+, 3K+
C. 3K+, 2Na+
D. 2K+, 3Na+

Answer 1

The Na+/K+ pump transports 3Na+ out of the cell and 2K+ into the cell per cycle, making the correct answer A. 3Na+, 2K+.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Na+/K+ pump transports 3 sodium ions (Na+) out of the cell and 2 potassium ions (K+) into the cell per cycle. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is A. 3Na+, 2K+. This pump is essential for maintaining the electrochemical gradient and the correct concentrations of Na+ and K+ in living cells. It operates by binding three Na+ ions and using ATP to change the shape of the carrier protein, which then pumps the sodium ions out of the cell. Subsequently, two K+ ions bind to the pump and are transported into the cell, completing the cycle.