Discovery reveals protons sneak through the sodium-potassium pump
Monday, March 31, 2014 - 13:40
in Physics & Chemistry
The sodium-potassium pump, a ubiquitous and essential molecule located in the membrane of cells, transports more than just the sodium and potassium that its name would suggest. New research shows these pumps also routinely transport hydrogen ions known as protons. Among other things, the work suggests a new dimension to molecules that underlie processes involved in nerve signaling and muscle contractions. More »