Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

8. Membrane Structure

Membrane Proteins

Cell Biology

8. Membrane Structure

Membrane Proteins

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the sodium-potassium ATPase?

A ligand-gated ion channel

A peripheral membrane protein

A secondary active transporter

A primary active transport protein

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the sodium-potassium ATPase: It is a membrane protein responsible for maintaining the electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane by actively transporting sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) ions against their concentration gradients.

Identify the type of transport: Sodium-potassium ATPase uses energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to move ions against their gradients. This is a hallmark of primary active transport, as it directly uses ATP as an energy source.

Eliminate incorrect options: A ligand-gated ion channel allows ions to pass through the membrane in response to a ligand binding, but it does not actively transport ions. Sodium-potassium ATPase is not a peripheral membrane protein because it spans the membrane (integral protein). It is also not a secondary active transporter, as secondary active transport relies on the energy from an existing gradient rather than directly using ATP.

Correlate the function with the correct classification: Since sodium-potassium ATPase directly uses ATP to pump ions, it is classified as a primary active transport protein.

Conclude: The correct description of the sodium-potassium ATPase is 'A primary active transport protein,' as it directly uses ATP to move ions against their concentration gradients.