Sodium Potassium Pump

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.