👉 Coupled ion transport refers to the phenomenon where the movement of one type of ion across a membrane is directly linked or influenced by the movement of another ion or molecule. This interaction can occur through various mechanisms, such as electrostatic forces, concentration gradients, or conformational changes in membrane proteins. For example, in biological systems, the simultaneous transport of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions often involves coupled channels, where the opening or closing of one channel affects the other. This coupling can enhance efficiency, selectivity, or regulation of ion flow, playing crucial roles in processes like nerve signal transmission, muscle contraction, and cellular homeostasis.
