In order to maintain homeostasis, human cells must have a higher concentration of sodium ions outside the cell than inside the cell. In addition, the concentration of potassium ions must be higher inside the cell than outside the cell. Which of the following forms of cellular transportation helps human cells maintain a relatively constant sodium and potassium concentration?
A. osmosis
B. endocytosis
C. diffusion
D. a cell membrane pump
The answer is D; the sodium and potassium pump is responsible for transportation.
The answer is D
a cell membrane pump
D. a cell membrane pump
The correct answer is D. a cell membrane pump.
To understand why a cell membrane pump helps maintain a relatively constant concentration of sodium and potassium ions, we need to understand the process of active transport. Active transport is a form of cellular transportation that requires the use of energy to move substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient. One specific type of active transport is called ion pumps.
Ion pumps, also known as cell membrane pumps, use energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to actively transport ions across the cell membrane. In the case of maintaining sodium and potassium concentration, a specific pump called the sodium-potassium pump is responsible.
The sodium-potassium pump moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, against their concentration gradients. This means it pumps sodium ions from an area of lower concentration inside the cell to an area of higher concentration outside the cell, and it pumps potassium ions from an area of lower concentration outside the cell to an area of higher concentration inside the cell.
By doing this, the sodium-potassium pump maintains a higher concentration of sodium ions outside the cell and a higher concentration of potassium ions inside the cell. This is crucial for maintaining the proper balance of ions for various cellular processes and the overall functioning of the human body.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is D. a cell membrane pump.