Unveiling the Secrets of the Sodium-Potassium Pump
The sodium-potassium pump, also known as the Na+/K+ ATPase, is a crucial enzyme for maintaining electrochemical gradients across cell membranes, using ATP to transport three sodium ions out and two potassium ions into the cell. This process regulates cell volume and resting membrane potential, key for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. By ensuring a higher sodium concentration outside and a higher potassium concentration inside, the pump supports physiological processes like nutrient absorption and cellular homeostasis, and is vital for the excitability of nerve and muscle tissues.
