Is the sodium potassium pump an example of diffusion?

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Is the sodium potassium pump an example of diffusion?

2007-11-29 12:01:15 · 4 answers · asked by volleybgrl23 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology

4 answers

No, diffusion is a passive process and only requires a concentration gradient, and the sodium potassium pump requires ATP therefore it is not diffusion.

2007-11-29 12:09:48 · answer #1 · answered by Shaja 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋

In short, yes!

Sodium and potassium ions diffuse across the cell's membrane, and it pumps sodium and out and potassium back in to maintain the appropriate concentrations. The second part requires energy, so only part of the process is officially diffusion.

2007-11-29 12:05:51 · answer #2 · answered by Tunesmith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋

diffusion

2007-11-29 12:12:55 · answer #3 · answered by colin m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋

No, it takes energy, so it's active transport.

2007-11-29 12:04:31 · answer #4 · answered by ecolink 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋