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Chapter 12: Problem 1

Provide an example of disequilibrium that is maintained at the expense of cellular energy.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The sodium-potassium pump maintains disequilibrium by using ATP to transport Na+ out and K+ into the cell against their gradients.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Disequilibrium

Disequilibrium occurs when there is an imbalance or unequal distribution of substances across a membrane or within different parts of a cell. It often requires energy to sustain this imbalance.
02

Identify Cellular Process Involving Energy

One common cellular process that maintains disequilibrium and uses energy is the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump). This pump helps maintain the concentration gradients of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane.
03

Explain the Sodium-Potassium Pump

The sodium-potassium pump transports three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell against their respective concentration gradients. This process requires the hydrolysis of ATP for energy, which is why it is said to occur at the expense of cellular energy.
04

Relate to Cellular Energy Usage

The use of ATP by the sodium-potassium pump illustrates how cells maintain a state of disequilibrium, particularly in ion concentration, at the expense of cellular energy. This allows the cell to perform various functions such as nerve impulse transmission and muscle contractions.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Disequilibrium
Disequilibrium is a state where there is an unequal distribution of substances across a membrane or within different compartments of a cell. This imbalance is often deliberate in biological systems.
Cells spend considerable energy to create and maintain disequilibrium. An example of this is keeping different concentrations of ions inside and outside of the cell.
Maintaining this state is crucial for many cell functions, such as nutrient uptake, waste removal, and signaling. Disequilibrium might seem inefficient, but it enables essential cellular processes.
The Sodium-Potassium Pump
The sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump) is a prime example of a mechanism that maintains disequilibrium.
This protein pump helps maintain the necessary differences in sodium and potassium ion concentrations across the cell membrane.
For every three sodium ions it transports out of the cell, it brings two potassium ions into the cell.

Without this active transport system, cells wouldn't be able to perform vital functions like:
  • Generating nerve impulses
  • Regulating cell volume
  • Maintaining an optimal internal environment
ATP Hydrolysis
ATP hydrolysis is the process of breaking down ATP (adenosine triphosphate) into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and an inorganic phosphate.
It is a key reaction that provides energy for various cellular processes, including the sodium-potassium pump.
This energy is essential because moving ions against their concentration gradients is not spontaneous.

When ATP is hydrolyzed:
  • Energy is released
  • This energy is used to power the pump
  • The pump can then move sodium and potassium ions in and out of the cell
Ion Concentration Gradients
Ion concentration gradients are differences in the concentration of ions across a membrane. These gradients are crucial for many cellular activities.
Cells use the sodium-potassium pump to create and maintain these gradients.
By actively transporting sodium out and potassium into the cell, they establish vital differences in ion concentration.

These gradients enable:
  • Nerve cells to send signals
  • Muscle cells to contract
  • Cells to regulate their internal environment
Maintaining ion gradients is energy-intensive, highlighting the cell's commitment to maintaining disequilibrium for proper function.

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