Question

The function of ATP during the operation of the sodium-potassium pump is to do what?

Answer 1

The function of ATP in the Na+/K+ pump is to deliver the energy necessary to pump both ions against their electrochemical gradient

Explanation:

There are two main groups of transporters: Active transporters and passive transporters. Passive transporters can only help compounds to pass through the membrane down their electrochemical gradient where diffusion is the driving force (for example a channel protein).

In active transport the cell wants to pump an ion (like sodium or potassium) uphill their electrochemical gradient (that means: from low concentration to high concentration) and that costs energy.

This energy comes from the splitsing of ATP to ADP and Phosphorus.