True regarding Na+ – K+ pump
Now, the correct answer would depend on the options given, but since they're missing, I'll focus on what's essential. The pump works by moving three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions in for each ATP molecule hydrolyzed. This creates a concentration gradient where sodium is higher outside and potassium inside. The pump is electrogenic, contributing to the resting membrane potential.
Common misconceptions might include thinking the pump moves equal numbers of each ion or that it doesn't require ATP. Also, confusing other transporters like the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger could be a trap. The clinical pearl here is remembering that inhibition of the Na+/K+ pump can lead to cellular swelling, as seen in conditions like hypokalemia or with digitalis toxicity.
Since the options aren't provided, I'll structure the explanation to cover these key points, ensuring clarity on why each possible wrong answer is incorrect based on these principles. The clinical pearl should highlight the importance of the pump's role in maintaining ion balance and its implications in disease states.
**Core Concept**
The Na⁺–K⁺ pump (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase) is an active transport mechanism that maintains intracellular Na⁺ and K⁺ gradients by expelling 3 Na⁺ ions and importing 2 K⁺ ions per ATP molecule hydrolyzed. It is essential for cell membrane potential, nutrient uptake, and secondary active transport.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The pump operates using ATP hydrolysis to phosphorylate the enzyme, inducing conformational changes. This electrogenic process (net loss of 1 positive charge per cycle) stabilizes the resting membrane potential. Its activity is critical for neurons and muscle cells, where ion gradients drive action potentials and osmotic balance. Inhibition (e.g., by ouabain) causes cellular swelling and impaired function.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect if it states the pump moves equal numbers of Na⁺ and K⁺—it moves 3 Na⁺ out and 2 K⁺ in.
**Option B:** Incorrect if it claims the pump uses facilitated diffusion—this is passive; the pump requires ATP.
**Option C:** Incorrect if it attributes Na⁺–K⁺ pump inhibition to loop diuretics—these act on the Na⁺–K⁺–2Cl⁻ cotransporter.
**Option D:** Incorrect if it suggests the pump is non-electrogenic—each cycle alters membrane charge by -1.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Digitalis toxicity (e.g., from foxglove) inhibits Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, leading to increased intracellular Na⁺ and Ca²⁺, causing arrhythmias. Remember: "Digitalis = No K+ for the pump, Ca²⁺ gets in!"
**Correct Answer: C. Active transport of 3 Na⁺ out and 2 K⁺ in per ATP hydrolyzed**