Ion transporter

In biology, an ion transporter, also called an ion pump, is a transmembrane protein that moves ions across a plasma membrane against their concentration gradient through active transport. In contrast to this are ion channels, where ions move across the plasma membrane via passive transport. These primary transporters are enzymes that convert energy from various sources-- including Adenosine triphosphate(ATP), sunlight, and other Redox reactions-- to potential energy stored in an electrochemical gradient. This energy is then used by secondary transporters, including ion carriers and ion channels, to drive vital cellular processes, such as ATP synthesis.

Primary transporters use energy to transport ions such as Na ⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ across a cells membrane and can create concentration gradients. This transport usually uses ATP as an energy source but can also generate ATP through methods such as the electron transport chain in plants.

Transporters that use ATP convert the energy in ATP into potential energy in the form of a concentration gradient. They use the ATP to transport an ion from a low concentration to a higher concentration. Examples of proteins that use ATP are P-type ATPases that transfer Na ⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions by phosphorylation, A-type ATPases that transfer anions, and ABC transporters (ATP binding and cassette transporters) that transport a broad set of molecules. Examples of the P-type ATPase include Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase that is regulated by Janus Kinase-2 as well as Ca²⁺ ATPase which exhibits sensitivity to ADP and ATP concentrations

ATP Producing transporters run in the opposite direction of ATP Utilizing transporters. These proteins transport ions from high to low concentration with the gradient but in the process ATP is formed. As potential energy in the form of the concentration gradient is used ATP is generated. In animals, this ATP synthesis takes place in the mitochondria using F- type ATPase. Plant cells use V-type ATPase to generate ATP through the process of photosynthesis in the chloroplasts. This process can be regulated through various methods such as pH.

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