Na+/K+ pumps - does every cell have them?

[Monkeymaniac]

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Besides the neurons and other type of cells that conduct action potentials (cardiac cell, muscle cell, etc.), do cells generally have the sodium/potassium pumps? Thanks in advance.

 

[PhilIvey]

Besides the neurons and other type of cells that conduct action potentials (cardiac cell, muscle cell, etc.), do cells generally have the sodium/potassium pumps? Thanks in advance.

Yes. Every cell has them. Think about it, if they didn't we would have 2 problems. The first is that water would enter the cell due to an imbalance of ions (greater osmolarity inside the cell) and the gradient would dissipate which would prevent secondary active transport which is how Glucose gets in.

It's just that nerve cells are specialized and can alter there membrane potential for a bit. HTH

 

[Monkeymaniac]

the gradient would dissipate which would prevent secondary active transport which is how Glucose gets in.

Wait, I thought that in all cells except enterocytes and the cells of the renal tubule, glucose is transported via facilitated diffusion down the glucose gradient?

 

[PhilIvey]

Wait, I thought that in all cells except enterocytes and the cells of the renal tubule, glucose is transported via facilitated diffusion down the glucose gradient?

you are correct. I was talking specifically about the small intestine and kidney. However, if the small intestine couldn't bring in glucose, the rest of the body would be in trouble. However, other molecules in all cells utilize the gradient via secondary active transport and would be affected.

 

[addo]

Besides the neurons and other type of cells that conduct action potentials (cardiac cell, muscle cell, etc.), do cells generally have the sodium/potassium pumps? Thanks in advance.

Without this pump the cells would lyse, due to osmotic pressure.

 

[Monkeymaniac]

Ah, that makes sense. Thank you guys!