Sodium-Potassium Pump

Definition

The sodium-potassium pump is an enzyme found in the plasma membrane of all animal cells that pumps sodium ions out and potassium ions into the cell using ATP for energy.

Related terms

Ion Channel: These are pore-forming proteins that allow ions to pass through the channel pore.

Membrane Potential: This is the difference in electric potential between the interior and exterior of a biological cell.

Active Transport:

This is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.