Sodium-Potassium Pump and Ion Channels

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on the sodium-potassium pump and ion channels, emphasizing their roles in maintaining cellular function and action potentials.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A transporter that pumps three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, using significant energy.

Active Transport

Movement of ions against their concentration gradient, requiring energy; exemplified by the sodium-potassium pump.

Resting Membrane Potential

The steady voltage across a neuronal membrane, maintained by the sodium-potassium pump counteracting leakage.

Diffusion

The natural movement of ions from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Electrostatic Pressure (EP)

The force that drives ions according to their charge; potassium is favored to move into the cell.

Ion Channels

Specialized protein structures that allow the passive movement of specific ions across the membrane when open.

Voltage-gated Channels

Ion channels that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential.

Action Potential

A rapid change in membrane potential that occurs due to the synchronized opening of sodium and potassium ion channels.

Leakage

The passive movement of ions across the membrane, contributing to an imbalance that the sodium-potassium pump helps correct.

Specialized Channels

Specific ion channels that only allow selected ions (like sodium or potassium) to pass when open.