Question

The function of Sodium pump is a biological process operating in each and every cell of all animals. Which of the following biologically important ions is also a constituent of this pump ?

• A. Fe²⁺
• B. Ca²⁺
• C. Mg²⁺
• D. K⁺

Answer 1

The correct option is D

K⁺

Since $K^{+}$ ions are the most abundant cations within the cell fluids, they activate many enzymes which are responsible for oxidation of glucose to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

There is a very large variation in the concentration of $N{a}^{+}$ and $K^{+}$ ions found on the opposite sides of cell membrane. These ionic gradients called the sodium-potassium pump operate across the cell membranes which consume more than one-third of the ATP used by a resting animal and about 15 kg per hour in a resting human being.