Sodium-potassium pump

The Sodium-potassium pump (pronunciation: /ˈsoʊdiəm poʊˈtæsiəm pʌmp/), also known as Na+/K+-ATPase, is a type of enzyme that is found in the plasma membrane of all animal cells. The primary function of this pump is to maintain the electrochemical gradient that exists across the cell membrane.

Etymology

The term "Sodium-potassium pump" is derived from the function of the enzyme. It actively transports sodium ions (Na+) and potassium ions (K+) across the cell membrane, thus acting as a "pump".

Function

The Sodium-potassium pump plays a crucial role in maintaining the cell potential by continuously pumping three sodium ions out of the cell for every two potassium ions it pumps in. This process is against the concentration gradient and thus requires energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Sodium-potassium pump

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