Question

Draw a diagram and describe the mechanism of the sodium/potassium pump.  Your answer should cover the following details: In what cells does this occur? How many ions and of what type are transported and in which directions? Does this produce or consume ATP?  What electrochemical gradients does it establish?

Answer 1

Sodium pottasium pumps are present in almost all cells.They are present in the neurons to contribute for resting membrane potential and pacemakers for restless membrane potential.3 molecules of sodium are pumped from inside the cell to outside the cell and 2 molecules of potassium are transported from outside to inside of the cell.The pump contains ATPase which consumes ATP.This produces positive change outside the membrane and negative charge inside the membrane.