Question

Which of the following are true about ATP and the sodium-potassium pump? (choose 2) ATP has two phosphates ATP has 3 phosphates ATP is not required to move sodium and potassium across the cell membrane ATP loses a phosphate and the pump changes shape allowing sodium or potassium to cross the cell membrane

Answer 1

The two true statements about ATP and the sodium-potassium pump are:

1. **ATP has 3 phosphates** - ATP (adenosine triphosphate) consists of an adenosine molecule and three phosphate groups.

2. **ATP loses a phosphate and the pump changes shape allowing sodium or potassium to cross the cell membrane** - The sodium-potassium pump requires ATP to function. When ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi), it provides the energy necessary for the pump to change shape and transport sodium (Na⁺) out of the cell and potassium (K⁺) into the cell.

The other statements are incorrect:
- ATP does not have two phosphates; it has three.
- ATP is required to move sodium and potassium across the cell membrane due to the active transport mechanism of the pump.