Question

The sodium potassium pump uses (what) to pump (what) out of the cell and (what) into the cell?

Answer 1

Sodium potassium pump involves active transport of Na(sodium) and K(potassium) across cell membrane i.e. the process consumes cellular energy.

Explanation:

I think you wanted to know about two things:

1. how does the pump operate? * and **
2. which ion is pumped inside the cell and which one is pumped out?

Sodium potassium pump is a mechanism where ions are pushed against their concentration gradient across cell membrane. This can be achieved by active transport and by using cellular energy.

Enzyme ATPase acts as the membrane carrier to transport both the ions: for every three sodium ions pumped outside the cell, two potassium ions are pumped in. ATP is spent in the process.

This helps in maintaining a high concentration of sodium in the extracellular fluid; also helps in maintaining a resting membrane potential along membranes of muscle cells and neurons.

http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter2/animation__how_the_sodium_potassium_pump_works.html

Answer 2

I found this animation very helpful for.

Explanation:

It shows the process very clearly. Hope this helps out some more!