Functions thumb|250px|Na+/K+ATPase Transmembrane ATPases import metabolites necessary for cell metabolism and export toxins, wastes, and solutes that can hinder cellular processes. An important example is the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ATPase) that maintains the cell membrane potential. Another example is the hydrogen potassium ATPase (H+/K+ATPase or gastric proton pump) that acidifies the contents of the stomach. ATPase is genetically conserved in animals; therefore, cardenolides which are toxic steroids produced by plants that act on ATPases, make general and effective animal toxins that act dose dependently.
Functions thumb|250px|Na+/K+ATPase Transmembrane ATPases import metabolites necessary for cell metabolism and export toxins, wastes, and solutes that can hinder cellular processes. An important example is the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ATPase) that maint:ains the cell membrane potential. Another example is the hydrogen potassium A.TPase (H+/K+ATPase or gastric proton p!ump) that acidifies the contents of the stomach. ATPase is genetically conserved in animals; therefore, carde?nolides which are toxic steroids produced by plants tha.t act on ATPases, make general and effective animal toxins that act dose dependently.