This is a default text for your page. Click above on edit this page to modify. Be careful with the < and > signs.

You may include any references to papers as in: the use of JSmol in Proteopedia ^[1] or to the article describing Jmol ^[2] to the rescue.

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 causes displacement between the outside and inside the cell. Physiologically speaking, this is why our nerve cells can propagate signals throughout the human body. This protein is vital 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 will later re-enter the small intestine cells via diffusion through a Sodium-Glucose Transporter Protein (SGLUT-1). This will cause the glucose concentration inside the cell to increase and 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 making various proteins, anabolism of carbohydrates in tissues, and helps support the electrical activity in the heart. Whereas sodium assists in maintaining healthy fluid balance, contractions of muscle, and conduction of nerve impulses. Avoiding this naturally occurring phenomenon can inhibit mental and physical growth.

Structural highlights

This is a sample scene created with SAT to by Group, and another to make of the protein. You can make your own scenes on SAT starting from scratch or loading and editing one of these sample scenes.