Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis is a disease caused by a malfunction with the sodium/potassium pump in the cells. The symptoms of this temporary paralysis, most commonly in the extremities, for periods as short as 15 minutes to as long as several days. The malfunction in the sodium/potassium pump allows too much sodium in the cells and therefore forces potassium outside of the cells. This is an inherited disorder and it often presents before the age of 10 and will resolve on its own by the age of 50. 1) Explain how the Na/K+ pump works.
2) Why is sodium potassium pump important to the human body?
3) Is this example of primary or secondary active transport?