Many biochemical reactions that occur in cells require relatively high concentrations of potassium ion (K+). The concentration of K+ in muscle cells is about 0.15 M. The concentration of K+ in blood plasma is about 0.0050 M.
The high internal concentration in cells is maintained by pumping K+ from the plasma. How much work must be done to transport 1.0 mole of K+ from the blood to the inside of a muscle cell at 37oC (normal body temperature)? When 1.0 mole of K+ is transferred from blood to the cells, do any other ions have to be transported? Why or why not? Much of the ATP (see Exercise 82) formed from metabolic processes is used to provide energy for transport of cellular components. How much ATP must be hydrolyzed to provide the energy for the transport of 1.0 mole of K+?