How does ATP enable transport proteins to move ions across a cell membrane?

Question

aaronq · Answer

imagine you pick up a heavy weight that is made of 2 pieces. when you pick it up you're gonna stand all bent over, but then you lose 1 of the pieces and you can stand up straight again.

This is essentially what happens, a protein binds ATP which makes it change shape, after the ATP is cut into ADP and the protein changes back to it's original shape.

When ATP binds, the protein changes shape in such a way that it allows molecules to pass through, and when it gets cut (ATP to ADP) it changes back and doesn't allow them to pass through anymore.

anonymous · Answer

thanks

aaronq · Answer

np

anonymous · Answer

It basically changes the shape of the protein