How does potassium ions enter a cell?

Since the cell membrane is impermeable for potassium ions, it has to be transported through specific membrane transport proteins. Potassium ions enter a cell through active transport. Active transport is the energy-requiring process of pumping ions across membranes against a concentration gradient. Potassium is transported into the cell actively through potassium pumps, with ATP molecules being consumed in the process. These carrier proteins that move solutes against the concentration gradient during active transport are known as pumps. ATP powers active transport by transferring a phosphate group directly to a carrier protein. This subsequently causes the carrier protein to change its shape and move the potassium ion inside the cell. Three sodium ions are pumped out for every two potassium ions that move inside.