what substance passes through a cell membrane using a solute pump?
The substance that passes through a cell membrane using a solute pump is typically ions, such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), or hydrogen (H+). These pumps are also known as active transport proteins.
To get the answer to this question, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Understand the concept of cell membrane and solute pump.
- Cell membrane: It is a semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cells, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
- Solute pump: It is a type of protein embedded in the cell membrane that uses energy to actively transport substances across the membrane.
Step 2: Identify the type of substances transported by solute pumps.
- The solute pumps are responsible for the transport of certain ions against their concentration gradient, moving from an area of lower concentration to higher concentration.
- Examples of ions commonly transported through solute pump include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and hydrogen (H+).
Step 3: Connect the concept of solute pumps with the substances passing through.
- Since these solute pumps transport ions against their concentration gradient, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and concentration of ions inside and outside the cell.
Therefore, to answer the initial question, the substance that passes through a cell membrane using a solute pump is generally ions, such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), or hydrogen (H+).