Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
This is an enzyme (a type of protein) that uses energy from ATP to pump sodium ions out of a cell and potassium ions into it. This helps maintain the cell's resting potential.
Related terms
Active transport: This is the process by which substances move against their concentration gradient with the help of transport proteins and energy from ATP.
ATPase enzymes: These are enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of ATP into ADP and phosphate, releasing energy for cellular processes like active transport.
Resting potential: This is the electrical potential across a neuron's membrane when it isn't transmitting any signals.