Fig. 6

Schematic model of the non-selective ion-conduction mechanism in NaK. a Equilibrium of NaK conformations without ions or in the presence of Na⁺ or K⁺. Plasticity in the SF enables Na⁺ binding, further resulting in an asymmetric deformation of the SF. b K⁺ conduction pathway from the MD simulations. c Na⁺ conduction in both directions uses the four side entries (dashed line). The additional binding sites (S_side) at the side entry are labeled as S_S