What
The Sodium-Potassium Pump is a cell membrane protein that transports three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, using energy from ATP.
How do Sodium-Potassium pump work?
The Sodium-Potassium Pump uses energy from ATP to move sodium and potassium ions. The pump changes shape and releases the sodium ions outside the cell, and then grabs 2 potassium ions from outside, returns to its original shape, and brings them in.
Why do sodium-potassium pumps happen?
The sodium-potassium pump happens because cells need to keep the right balance of sodium and potassium ions in and outside of their membranes.
What is the biological significance of the sodium-potassium pump?
Sodium-Potassium pumps help:
- Maintain a cell's electrical charge
- They allow nerve and muscle cells to send signals
- Control cell size
- They help move molecules in and out of cells.