What would happen if the sodium potassium pump was destroyed in a cell?
1 Answer
The sodium potassium (NaK) pump is important for the functioning of most cellular processes. It is an important mechanism for cell physiology.
Explanation:
The NaK pump is a specialised transport protein found in the cell membranes. It is responsible for movement of potassium ions into the cell while simultaneously moving sodium ions outside the cell.
It has particular significance for excitable cells such as nervous cells, which depend on this pump for responding to stimuli and transmitting impulses.
In the kidneys, the NaK pump helps to maintain the sodium and potassium balance in our body.
It also plays a role in maintaining blood pressure and control cardiac contractions.
Thus cell functioning would be drastically affected if due to some reason the NaK pump is destroyed.
