5. Active transport allows cells to maintain higher concentrations of many different molecules than found in the cell's surroundings. You might then expect to find many different transmembrane channels carrying out active transport. However, almost all active transport is carried out by only two such channels, the sodium-potassium pump and the proton pump. Why do you suppose cells couple so many transport processes to these two channels, rather than using a variety of uniporters?

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood
Chapter3: The Plasma Membrane And Membrane Potential
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1TAHL: Which of the following methods of transport is being used to transfer the substance into the cell in...
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5. Active transport allows cells to maintain higher
concentrations of many different molecules than found
in the cell's surroundings. You might then expect to find
many different transmembrane channels carrying out active
transport. However, almost all active transport is carried out
by only two such channels, the sodium-potassium pump and
the proton pump. Why do you suppose cells couple so many
transport processes to these two channels, rather than using a
variety of uniporters?
Transcribed Image Text:5. Active transport allows cells to maintain higher concentrations of many different molecules than found in the cell's surroundings. You might then expect to find many different transmembrane channels carrying out active transport. However, almost all active transport is carried out by only two such channels, the sodium-potassium pump and the proton pump. Why do you suppose cells couple so many transport processes to these two channels, rather than using a variety of uniporters?
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