Question

In the Na+/K+ pump, three sodium ions from inside the cell must enter the carrier first. (T/F?)

Answer 1

The assertion that three sodium ions bind to the Na+/K+ pump first is true. This process is part of the pump's function to actively transport three Na+ out and two K+ into the cell, maintaining the electrochemical gradient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that three sodium ions from inside the cell must enter the carrier first in the Na+/K+ pump is true. In the process of active transport executed by the sodium-potassium pump, the following steps occur:

1. Three sodium ions bind to the protein pump inside the cell.
2. ATP is hydrolyzed, and the protein pump receives a phosphate group.
3. The protein pump changes shape, releasing the sodium ions outside the cell.
4. Two potassium ions then bind to the protein pump.
5. The protein pump changes shape once more and transports the potassium ions inside the cell.
6. The cycle then repeats itself to maintain the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane.

Due to this cycle, the cell maintains a net negative charge intracellularly and a higher concentration of Na+ outside the cell and K+ inside the cell.