Question

For every three sodium molecules that are transported out of the cell in the Na+/K+ pump, _______ molecules of K+ are transported _______.

Answer 1

The Na+/K+ pump moves three Na+ ions out and two K+ ions into the cell per cycle, using ATP, and is crucial for maintaining the cell's electrochemical gradient.

Step-by-step explanation:

For every three sodium molecules that are transported out of the cell in the Na+/K+ pump, two molecules of K+ are transported into the cell. The sodium-potassium pump, also known as the Na+/K+ ATPase, is crucial for maintaining the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane. This pump operates by using one ATP molecule to transport three sodium ions (Na+) out of the cell and two potassium ions (K+) into the cell. As a result, there is a net loss of one positive charge from the cell, contributing to the cell's interior being slightly negatively charged relative to the outside. This activity is especially important in nerve cells to maintain the electrical gradient necessary for nerve signal transmission.