Sodium-potassium pump-cell membrane

Question

How does sodium-potassium pump which is present in the cell membrane work? And also write down the significance of this protein for cell.

Answer 1

The sodium-potassium pump is a transport protein which regulates the concentration gradient of such ions between the extra and the intracellular spaces. This protein is phosphorylated in each and every pumping cycle and after that it pumps three sodium ions outside the cell and puts two potassium ions in inwards. The phosphorylation is made by a binding of the phosphate donated by the one ATP molecule that then is converted in ADP (or adenosine diphosphate).

The task of the sodium-potassium pump, also recognized as sodium-potassium ATPase, is essential to keep the attribute negative electrical charge in intracellular side of membrane of the resting cell and to make adequate conditions of potassium and sodium concentrations inside as well as outside the cell to maintain the cellular metabolism.