Why is the sodium-potassium pump important?
2 Answers
The sodium potassium pump is important for the functioning of most cellular processes.
Explanation:
It is a specialised transport protein found in the cell membranes. It is responsible for movement of potassium ions into the cell while simultaneously moving sodium ions into the cell. This is important for cell physiology.
It has special significance for excitable cells such as nervous cells, which depend upon this pump for responding to stimuli and transmitting impulses. Transmission of nerve cells would've been impossible without the aid of this pump.
The sodium/potassium helps maintain resting potential,effect transport and regulate cellular volume. It also functions as a signal transducer/ integrator to regulate MAPK pathway, as well as intracellular calcium.
In the kidneys the sodium potassium pump helps to maintain the sodium and potassium balance.
It also plays a role in maintaining blood pressure and control cardiac contractions.
Failure of sodium potassium pump can result in the swelling of the cell.
The sodium potassium pump is important for the functioning of most cellular processes.
Explanation:
It is a specialised transport protein found in the cell membranes. It is responsible for movement of potassium ions into the cell while simultaneously moving sodium ions into the cell. This is important for cell physiology.
It has special significance for excitable cells such as nervous cells, which depend upon this pump for responding to stimuli and transmitting impulses. Transmission of nerve cells would've been impossible without the aid of this pump.
The sodium/potassium helps maintain resting potential,effect transport and regulate cellular volume. It also functions as a signal transducer/ integrator to regulate MAPK pathway, as well as intracellular calcium.
In the kidneys the sodium potassium pump helps to maintain the sodium and potassium balance.
It also plays a role in maintaining blood pressure and control cardiac contractions.
Failure of sodium potassium pump can result in the swelling of the cell.
