Final answer:
The sodium-potassium pump uses ATP to exchange three Na+ ions out of the cell for two K+ ions in, maintaining the cell's resting potential and contributing to cellular electrical imbalance necessary for nerve impulse transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sodium-potassium pump is a critical component of cellular function, especially in nerve cells. It utilizes ATP to actively transport sodium ions (Na+) out of the cell and potassium ions (K+) into the cell, against their respective concentration gradients. This action is vital for maintaining the resting potential of neurons.
The pump operates by exchanging three Na+ ions from the interior of the cell with two K+ ions from the exterior, per ATP molecule consumed. The result is a net loss of positive charges from the cell, thereby contributing to a negative membrane potential necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses and for the process of secondary active transport.
Overall, the sodium-potassium pump does not solely impact ion distribution but also assists in generating the cell's electrical imbalance, which is essential for many cellular processes, particularly in neurons where it forms the basis for action potentials.