The discussion revolves around the mechanisms and reasons behind the sodium-potassium pump's role in maintaining ion balance within cells, particularly focusing on the low internal concentrations of sodium ions and high internal concentrations of potassium ions. The conversation touches on various applications, including glucose transport and nerve function, as well as the implications of disrupting this balance.
Participants generally agree on the importance of the sodium-potassium pump in various cellular functions, but there are differing views on the specific causes and implications of the ion balance, as well as the reasons for the presence of negatively charged molecules in cells. The discussion remains unresolved regarding these underlying causes.
Some claims depend on specific definitions and assumptions about cellular mechanisms, and the discussion includes unresolved questions about the origins of negatively charged organic molecules.
Jikx said:what a coincidence.. I just about this 30minutes ago for exam revision!
Seems it is necessary in the transport of glucose across the intestinal epithelium.
Glucose+Na (symport) into the epithelial cell.
3.Na expelled into the blood stream, while 2K taken. (uses ATP)
Glucose then diffuses out of the cell into blood.
At least i hope that's right.. cause then we'll both be in trouble.
Also necessary in nerve function i believe, pumping out 3Na while taking in 2K means a net charge of -1 within the cell, returning the negative electrical differences across the membrane after an action potential (where the membrane depolarises).
There's probably thousands of things link to this.