Question

Cells make use of H+ electrochemical gradients in many ways. Which of the following proton transporters is used to regulate pH in animal cells?

(a) light-driven pump
(b) H+ ATPase
(c) H+ symporter
(d) Na+-H+ exchanger

Answer 1

The Na+-H+ exchanger is the proton transporter used to regulate pH in animal cells. It exchanges one Na+ ion for one H+ ion, exemplifying active transport for maintaining electrochemical gradients.

Step-by-step explanation:

The proton transporter used to regulate pH in animal cells is the Na+-H+ exchanger. This mechanism is essential for maintaining the electrochemical gradients across the plasma membrane that are crucial for various cellular processes, including pH regulation. Unlike the light-driven pump, which is found in photosynthetic organisms, and H+ ATPase, which actively pumps hydrogen ions, the Na+-H+ exchanger typically operates by exchanging one Na+ ion for one H+ ion. This is a form of antiporter. Cells establish and maintain these gradients using energy that is often derived from ATP, thus illustrating the principle of active transport.