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?
- K+
- Fe2+
- Ca2+
- Mg2+
Answer
(1) K+
Solution
As per NCERT, sodium and potassium ions are found in large proportions in biological fluids; Na+ ions are mainly outside the cells and K+ ions mainly inside the cells.
⇒ The sodium–potassium pump operates across the cell membrane: it pumps out 3 Na+ ions and takes in 2 K+ ions, using ATP.
∴ K+ is the other ion of this pump.
Answer: (1)