Question

PLEASE HELP
Which describes the sodium-potassium pump and its relation to concentration gradients that exist across the cell membrane? (Select all that apply.)
It uses the energy in a sodium concentration gradient.
It uses the energy in a potassium concentration gradient.
It creates a sodium concentration gradient.
It creates a potassium concentration gradient.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct statements are:

It creates a sodium concentration gradient.  

It creates a potassium concentration gradient.

Sodium-potassium pump is a ATP dependent transport (anti-porter) protein usually located in the plasma membrane of a cell.

It hydrolyses ATP in order to pump sodium and potassium in opposite directions each against its concentration gradient.

In one cycle, it export 3 sodium ions out of the cell and import 2 potassium ions into the cell. Hence, it moves a total of 1 positive charge across the cell membrane.

Thus it creates concentration gradient of both sodium and potassium which help in various functions such as conduction of action potential, transport of glucose etc.