How does the sodium-potassium pump differentiate between Na+ and K+, given that both ions have the same charge? Is it possibly due to the difference in the number of electron shells, or perhaps the hydration shell of each ion?

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anonymous · Answer

An excellent questions, i'd be having to do some research before i dare to answer it. I might get back to you on this one.

anonymous · Answer

I think it's a matter of size, so that's really about how many electron shells it has.

anonymous · Answer

They differ in atomic radius.

anonymous · Answer

Thanks, all. It's pretty incredible how specific this protein is!