Question

Which of the following statements correctly describes the Na⁺ - K⁺ pump?

a. Sodium and potassium ions are both actively pumped out of the cell
b. Sodium and potassium ions are both actively pumped into the cell
c. Sodium is pumped out the cell, while potassium is pumped into the cell
d. Sodium is pumped into the cell, while potassium is pumped out the cell
e. Sodium and potassium ions are both passively transported into the cell

Answer 1

The sodium-potassium pump is an active transport mechanism where sodium ions are pumped out of the cell and potassium ions are pumped into the cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sodium-potassium pump is an active transport mechanism in which sodium ions are pumped out of the cell, while potassium ions are pumped into the cell. This process requires ATP and is facilitated by a carrier protein. Sodium ions are moved out of the cell, creating a concentration gradient, while potassium ions are moved into the cell against their concentration gradient.