Na/K pump which enzyme is used
So, the enzyme involved in this process is likely an ATPase. Specifically, the Na+/K+ ATPase. Wait, ATPases are enzymes that break down ATP to release energy. The Na+/K+ pump uses the energy from ATP to pump three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell. That's the basic function.
Let me think about the options. The correct answer should be Na+/K+ ATPase. The other options might be other types of ATPases or enzymes. For example, maybe Ca2+ ATPase is another option, which is involved in moving calcium ions. Or maybe something like H+/K+ ATPase, which is found in the stomach for acid secretion. There's also the possibility of other enzymes like phosphatases or kinases being listed as distractors.
Wait, the question is straightforward but important because it's a fundamental concept in cell physiology. The Na+/K+ ATPase is crucial for maintaining the resting membrane potential and is a classic example of primary active transport. So the correct answer is definitely the Na+/K+ ATPase. The other options would be incorrect because they either refer to different ion pumps or different types of enzymes altogether. For example, if an option says "Na+/K+ pump" without specifying ATPase, that's a trick because the pump itself is the ATPase. So the key term here is ATPase.
**Core Concept** The Na/K pump (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase) is a transmembrane enzyme that actively transports sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane. It hydrolyzes ATP to provide energy for this process, maintaining electrochemical gradients critical for nerve impulse transmission and cell volume regulation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right** The Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme uses ATP hydrolysis to move **3 Na⁺ ions out** and **2 K⁺ ions in** per cycle. This ATP-dependent transport creates the sodium gradient essential for secondary active transport (e.g., glucose uptake) and stabilizes the resting membrane potential. The enzyme has α, β, and γ subunits, with the α-subunit containing ATP-binding and ion-binding sites.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** (e.g., Ca²⁺-ATPase) Incorrect because it transports calcium ions, not sodium/potassium.
**Option B:** (e.g., H⁺-K⁺-ATPase) Incorrect as it is found in gastric parietal cells for acid secretion.
**Option C:** (e.g., Glucokinase) Incorrect; this phosphorylates glucose, unrelated to ion transport.
**Option D:** (e.g., Na⁺/K⁺ pump without ATPase) Incorrect; the enzyme itself is the ATPase, not a passive pump.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact** Inhibitors like **ouabain** block Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, leading to increased intracellular Na⁺ and impaired cardiac function. This mechanism is exploited