potassium ions

The sodium-potassium pump is a vital active transport mechanism embedded in the plasma membranes of many cells, playing a key role in maintaining electrochemical gradients. Powered by ATP, this pump moves three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell against their concentration gradients, a process essential for nerve impulse transmission and cellular homeostasis. This article explores the structure, function, and physiological significance of the sodium-potassium pump, providing a detailed understanding of its impact on cellular and bodily processes.