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AAT Bioquest

What is the mechanism of a sodium-potassium pump?

Posted July 24, 2023


Answer

A sodium-potassium pump is an enzyme found in the membrane of most cells. It is a way to transport sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane, against their concentration gradient (low to high concentration). The mechanism of a sodium-potassium pump is as follows:

  1. 3 Sodium ions bind the the pump.
  2. ATP binds to the pump and is hydrolyzed.
  3. The pump is phosphorylated which leads to a conformational change in the pump.
  4. The 3 Sodium ions are released into the extracellular region.
  5. 2 Potassium ions bind to the pump.
  6. Dephosphorylation of the pump changes the pump to its original conformation.
  7. The 2 Potassium ions are released into the cell.

Na/K pump

 
Additional resources

Physiology, Sodium Potassium Pump

Membrane Potential and Channels

Screen Quest™ Membrane Potential Assay Kit *Red Fluorescence*

Cell Meter™ Fluorimetric Cellular Voltage Assay Kit