Final answer:
Each molecule of ATP used by the Na+-K+ pump moves three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, establishing vital ion gradients and electrical charges across cell membranes.
Step-by-step explanation:
For each molecule of ATP used, the Na+-K+ pump drives three Na+ ions out of the cell and two K+ ions into the cell.
The sodium-potassium ATPase plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrochemical gradients across the cell membranes, particularly in nerve cells, where it is highly abundant.
It uses energy from the hydrolysis of ATP to transport three sodium ions (Na+) out of the cell and two potassium ions (K+) into the cell against their respective concentration gradients.
This activity not only helps to maintain the proper concentrations of these ions inside and outside of the cell but also contributes to the negative electrical charge within the cell, which is essential for many cellular processes, including nerve impulse transmission.