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Multiple Choice
Which of the following defines the type of transport by the sodium-potassium pump?
A
Active transport through a symporter.
B
Passive transport through a symporter.
C
Active transport through an antiporter.
D
Passive transport through an antiporter.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of active transport: Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, using energy in the form of ATP.
Identify the role of the sodium-potassium pump: The sodium-potassium pump is a type of active transport mechanism that moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell against their concentration gradients.
Define the term 'antiporter': An antiporter is a type of transporter that moves two or more different ions or molecules in opposite directions across a membrane.
Recognize the function of the sodium-potassium pump as an antiporter: The sodium-potassium pump exchanges three sodium ions (Na⁺) out of the cell for two potassium ions (K⁺) into the cell, which is characteristic of an antiporter.
Conclude that the sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport through an antiporter, as it requires energy to move ions against their concentration gradients in opposite directions.