Question

Why is the sodium potassium pump an example of active transport?

Answer 1

The sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport because energy is required to move the sodium and potassium ions against the concentration gradient. Sodium ions are actively transported from the inside of the cell to the outside of the cell, even though there is a higher concentration of sodium ions on the outside. Potassium is actively transported into the cell from the fluid surrounding the cell, even though there is a higher concentration of potassium ions inside the cell. The energy used to fuel the sodium-potassium pump comes from the breakdown of ATP to ADP + P + Energy.

Notice the concentrations of potassium and sodium ions inside and outside the cell.