What is the primary function of the sodium-potassium pump in cells?

The primary function of the sodium-potassium pump is to maintain membrane potential across the cell membrane. This pump plays a critical role in regulating the concentrations of sodium and potassium ions inside and outside of the cell. By actively transporting sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, it helps establish and maintain the electrochemical gradient that is essential for various cellular processes, including nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

This gradient is vital for the resting membrane potential, allowing cells to respond to stimuli and communicate effectively. The sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport, requiring ATP to move ions against their concentration gradients, which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis within the cell.

In contrast, the other options describe different cellular functions that do not directly relate to the primary role of the sodium-potassium pump. For instance, while ATP production is important for cellular energy, it is not the function of this specific pump. Similarly, glucose transport typically occurs through different mechanisms, such as facilitated diffusion via specific transporter proteins, rather than through the sodium-potassium pump. Cytokinesis, the process of cell division, is unrelated to the function of this pump, focusing instead on the cytoskeleton and cell membrane dynamics.