Sodium-Potassium Pump
The Sodium-Potassium Pump is a vital protein found in the cell membrane of many cells. It helps maintain the balance of sodium and potassium ions inside and outside the cell. By actively transporting three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, it creates an electrochemical gradient essential for various cellular functions.
This pump operates using energy from ATP, a molecule that provides energy for many cellular processes. The proper functioning of the sodium-potassium pump is crucial for maintaining cell volume, generating electrical signals in nerve and muscle cells, and supporting overall cellular health.