Question

Explain the difference and similarity between a neutral and electrogenic pump. give an example of each ??

Answer 1

Electrogenic pumps - Involved in transport of ions which lead to net movement of charge across the membrane. Example of electrogenic transport is Na⁺K⁺ ATPase of animal cells. ATP is coupled with Na⁺K⁺ ATPase. Two potassium ions move inward and three sodium ions move outward for each molecule of ATP hydrolyzed, resulting in a net outward movement of one positive charge.

Electroneutral pumps - Involved in transport of ions which lead to no net movement of charge. Example of electroneutral pump is H⁺K⁺ ATPase of animal gastric mucosa pumps. It pumps one hydrogen ion out of cell for every potassium ion that comes in, so there is no net movement of charge across the membrane.

Similarity is that, both are proton pumps.