What is a sodium-ion pump?

Answer 1

The sodium pump is actually known as the sodium potassium pump. Most cells in the body need to contain a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) than their environment. They also need to contain a lower number of sodium ions (Na+) than their environment. To achieve this the cell constantly pumps sodium ions out and potassium ions in. This requires energy, and therefore is called active transport.

This is carried out by transporter proteins in the plasma membrane, working with ATP which supplies the energy. The ATP changes the shape of the transporter protein, the shape change moves 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions in. This is called the sodium potassium pump.

Answer 2

A sodium-ion pump is a type of protein that actively transports sodium ions across a cell membrane, against their concentration gradient, using energy from ATP. This helps maintain cellular balance of sodium ions and is essential for various cellular functions such as nerve transmission and muscle contraction.