Question

The sodium-potassium pump

• A. Utilizes a carrier protein and energy
• B. Concentrates sodium on the outside of the membrane
• C. Helps establish an electrochemical gradient across the membrane
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

All of the above

The sodium-potassium pump in a cell membrane works via active transport. It uses a carrier protein and utilizes ATP molecules. It transports the sodium ions to the extracellular space, increasing their concentration there and in turn moves potassium ions inside the cell, creating an electrochemical gradient across te membrane. This pump moves three potassium ions inside the cell for every two sodium ions moved outside.

So, the correct answer is 'All of the above are correct'.