Multiple Choice
What is the name of the collection of membrane bound and transmembrane proteins that are interconnected on the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane?
345
views
4
rank
8. Membrane Structure
Membrane Proteins
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the sodium-potassium ATPase?
A
A ligand-gated ion channel
B
A peripheral membrane protein
C
A secondary active transporter
D
A primary active transport protein
Verified step by step guidance1
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.
Related Videos
Related Practice
