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Function

The primary function of this protein serves as the catalytic component of the active enzymes, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the ATP coupled with the exchange of sodium and potassium across the plasma membrane. Additionally, this action potential assists in creating an electrochemical gradient of sodium and potassium ions by delivering the energy for the active transport of numerous nutrients. Therefore, the NA+/K+ pump functions by having to transport sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane in a 3 to 2 ratio (3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in). By doing this, the membrane potential increases its stability and therefore is essential in human cells as it constantly maintains an optimal ion balance. In addition, the sodium-potassium pump functions in many systems. A high level of expression can be found in the kidneys as they are responsible for expressing 50 million pumps per cell to filter waste products in the blood, maintain optimal pH's, regulate electrolyte levels, and reabsorb glucose and amino acids. Another important place this ATPase activity can be seen is in the brain as the neurons need this pump to reverse postsynaptic sodium flux to activate action potentials.

Disease

=====If the Sodium Potassium Pump stops working or it is inhibited, the sodium concentration will add up within the cell and the intracellular potassium levels will fall.

Relevance

The Sodium Potassium Pump is relevant because it creates an action potential throughout the cell membrane. This results in an imbalance of ions which ultimately causes displacement between the outside and inside of the cell. Physiologically speaking, this is why our nerve cells are able to propagate signals throughout the human body. This protein is very important to our daily function as this Na+/K+ ATPase uses fifteen percent of our caloric intake in one day. The pump is also relevant to glucose absorption as that is crucial in human metabolism. This starts with Na+ ions being pumped out of cells in the small intestine into the blood with the help of the Sodium Potassium Pump. The Sodium-ion later will re-enter the cells of the small intestine via diffusion through a Sodium-Glucose Transporter Protein (SGLUT-1). This will cause the concentration of glucose inside the cell to increase and will form a gradient between inside the cell and the blood. This will assist glucose into the blood via facilitated diffusion. Finally, both Na+ and K+ are found in the body as a form of electrolytes. Potassium assists in the making of various proteins, anabolism of carbohydrates in tissues, and helps support the electrical activity in the heart. Whereas, sodium assists in the maintenance of healthy fluid balance, contractions of muscle, and conduction of nerve impulses. Avoiding this naturally occurring phenomenon can actually inhibit mental and physical growth.

Structural highlights

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