 Na+/K+-ATPase is a transmembrane protein, which is found on the surface of every vertebrate cell.The sodium–potassium pump is necessary for viability of all cells, and this explains the fact that palytoxin affects all cells.Through this channel, which it forms within the sodium–potassium pump, monovalent positive ions such as sodium and potassium can diffuse freely, thereby destroying the ion gradient of the cell.