NA+K+ATPase Pump

Question 1

How does the sodium-potassium pump work?

Answer 1

• sodium ions are pumped into the cell, sodium binds
• ATP is broken down, the phosphate heads binds to the carrier protein
• the cell changes shape
• the potassium ions go into the cell
• phosphate head is released
• cell goes back to its original shape

Question 2

Are ion channels open or closed?

Answer 2

• Ion channels are closed but sometimes leak
• more permeable to K+ ions

Question 3

How many sodium ions are pumped out of the cell?

Answer 3

• 3 sodium ions pumped out of the cell

Question 4

How many potassium ions are pumped into the cell?

Answer 4

• 2 potassium ions are pumped into the cells