Active Transport of Na+ and K+ through Animal Cell Membranes

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Abstract
The transport of Na+ out of the cell and K+ into the cell against a concentration gradient is catalyzed by a (Na+ + K+)‐activated ATPase. The way in which the cations pass through the cell membrane has not yet been elucidated. Studies on the ATP hydrolysis revealed a Na+‐dependent phosphorylation of the enzyme protein; the conformation of the enzyme also appears to change. The energy required for transport of the cations against their concentration gradients is probably provided by K+‐dependent hydrolysis of the enzyme‐bound phosphate. The enzyme can synthesize ATP from inorganic phosphate and ADP on reversal of the cation concentration gradient. By keeping the enzyme in a particular conformation, the cardiac glycoside ouabain specifically inhibits the Na+ pump.

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