Membrane transport: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Physiology · Membrane transport

Sample item

What pump moves sodium out of cells using ATP?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Sodium-potassium ATPase

The sodium-potassium ATPase uses ATP to export three sodium ions and import two potassium ions, maintaining gradients important for cell volume and excitability.

Option by option

  • A. Sodium-potassium ATPase (correct)

    Correct: sodium-potassium ATPase directly uses ATP for ion transport.

  • B. Aquaporin

    Aquaporins are water channels.

  • C. Sodium channel

    Sodium channels permit passive sodium movement down a gradient.

  • D. Calcium exchanger

    Calcium exchangers use coupled gradients rather than this classic ATPase action.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Physiology questions

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, Sodium-potassium ATPase. The sodium-potassium ATPase uses ATP to export three sodium ions and import two potassium ions, maintaining gradients important for cell volume and excitability.

Why is "Aquaporin" not the answer?

Aquaporins are water channels.

Why is "Sodium channel" not the answer?

Sodium channels permit passive sodium movement down a gradient.

Why is "Calcium exchanger" not the answer?

Calcium exchangers use coupled gradients rather than this classic ATPase action.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Membrane transport in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: sodium-potassium ATPase directly uses ATP for ion transport.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Membrane transport?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.