Researchers decipher the shape of the sodium/potassium ion pump

Proteins studding the surface of cell membranes are vital to the cell, transmitting signals and maintaining equilibrium by moving charged molecules — ions — from one side to the other. Some of these proteins even use energy by acting as pumps, specialized channels with gates that strictly open one at a time to usher ions in and out in a tightly controlled manner.

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<p><a href="http://www.physorg.com/news81012514.html">Researchers decipher the shape of the sodium/potassium ion pump</a></p> <p>Proteins studding the surface of cell membranes are vital to the cell, transmitting signals and maintaining equilibrium by moving charged molecules — ions — from one side to the other. Some of these proteins even use energy by acting as pumps, specialized channels with gates that strictly open one at a time to usher ions in and out in a tightly controlled manner.</p>