What's the sodium-potassium-ATPase of the cell membrane?

Question

What's the sodium-potassium-ATPase of the cell membrane?

Asked on March 28, 2026Biology

This biology question covers important biological concepts and processes. The step-by-step explanation below helps you understand the underlying mechanisms and reasoning.

Accepted Answer · 2026-03-28T18:06:28.569Z

The sodium-potassium-ATPase (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase) is an enzyme and an ion pump located in the plasma membrane of all animal cells. It actively transports three sodium ions (Na⁺) out of the cell and two potassium ions (K⁺) into the cell for each molecule of ATP hydrolyzed. This process maintains the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane, which is crucial for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining cell volume.

Accepted Answer · 2026-03-28T18:06:28.569Z

The sodium-potassium-ATPase (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase) is an enzyme and an ion pump located in the plasma membrane of all animal cells. It actively transports three sodium ions (Na⁺) out of the cell and two potassium ions (K⁺) into the cell for each molecule of ATP hydrolyzed. This process maintains the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane, which is crucial for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining cell volume.