BIOCHEMISTRY ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z           HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site sodium-potassium pump Sodium-potassium pump Image credit: Columbia University A mechanism of active transport that moves potassium ions into and sodium ions out of a cell along a protein (or enzyme) channel. It is found in all human cells, but is especially important in nerve and muscle cells. The sodium-potassium pump uses active transport, with energy supplied by ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules, to move 3 sodium ions to the outside of the cell for each 2 potassium ions that it moves in. One third of the body’s energy expenditure is used in this process. Related categories    • BIOCHEMISTRY    • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP