Question

The sodium-potassium pump ________.

1) pumps three sodium ions outside the cell and two potassium ions inside
2) pumps two sodium ions outside the cell and three potassium ions inside
3) pumps three sodium ions inside the cell and two potassium ions outside
4) pumps two sodium ions inside the cell and three potassium ions outside

Answer 1

The sodium-potassium pump moves three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, which is pivotal in maintaining the electrochemical gradient and membrane potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sodium-potassium pump is a vital cellular mechanism that helps maintain the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane. In answering the question, the sodium-potassium pump pumps three sodium ions outside the cell and two potassium ions inside.

One of the most important functions of the sodium-potassium pump is to maintain the correct concentrations of Na+ and K+ across the cell's plasma membrane. It does so through a cycle in which three Na+ ions are bound inside the cell, ATP is used to change the shape of the protein transporter and the sodium ions are expelled.