Question

$N{a}_{-}^{+}{K}^{+}$ pumps are found in membranes of many cells, like nerve cells. It works against electrochemical gradient and involves an integral protein ATPase. For each molecule of ATP used

• A. 3 ions of $N{a}^{+}$ are pumped out and $2K^{+}$ are taken in
• B. 3 ions of $N{a}^{+}$ are taken in and $2K^{+}$ are pumped out
• C. 2 ions of $N{a}^{+}$ are thrown out and $3K^{+}$ are absorbed
• D. 3 ions of $K^{+}$ are absorbed, $3N{a}^{+}$ are pumped out

Answer 1

The correct option is A 3 ions of $N{a}^{+}$ are pumped out and $2K^{+}$ are taken in

Energy from ATP cause conformational change in the solute carrier complex. From the energy of one ATP, three $N{a}^{+}$ ions are pumped outside and two $K^{+}$ ions taken in. This process of expelling out $N{a}^{+}$ ions and drawing in $K^{+}$ ions against the concentration gradient or electrochemical gradient is called sodium-potassium exchange pump of the cell.