Q
QuestionBiochemistry

Why does the sodium-potassium pump have a 3:2 ratio?
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Step 1
I'll solve this problem by explaining the sodium-potassium pump's mechanism and its specific ion transport ratio.

Step 2
: Understanding the Sodium-Potassium Pump

The sodium-potassium (Na⁺/K⁺) pump is a critical membrane protein that maintains electrochemical gradients across cell membranes. It actively transports ions against their concentration gradients, requiring energy from ATP.

Final Answer

The sodium-potassium pump has a 3:2 ratio to efficiently manage cellular ion concentrations, membrane potential, and energy expenditure while precisely controlling ion movement across cell membranes.