question_answer

The function of “Sodium pump” is a biological process operating in each and every cell of all animals. Which of the following biologically important ions is also a constituent of this pump? [NEET 2015 (C)]

A) \[C{{a}^{2+}}\]

B) \[M{{g}^{2+}}\]

C) \[{{K}^{+}}\]

D)                                             \[F{{e}^{2+}}\]

Correct Answer: C

Solution :

[c] The "Sodium pump" is also known as a sodium-potassium pump. This pump is an important contributor to action potential produced by nerve cells. The process of moving sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane is an active transport process involving the hydrolysis of ATP to provide the necessary energy. This process is responsible for maintaining the large excess of  outside the cell and the large excess of  ions on the inside.