Understanding the Sodium-Potassium Pump

In maintaining homeostasis, cells must efficiently regulate the transport of substances across their membranes. One of the key mechanisms involved in this process is the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase), an active transport mechanism that helps maintain the electrochemical gradient essential for various physiological processes. Consider the following statements regarding the sodium-potassium pump and its role in cellular transport:

(1) The sodium-potassium pump transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, using ATP for energy.

(2) The pump is vital for maintaining osmotic balance within the cell by preventing excessive swelling due to osmotic pressure.

(3) The pump is considered a form of secondary active transport.

Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding the sodium-potassium pump?