The concentrations of ions are very different inside and outside a nerve cell due to
A) sodium- potassium pumps.
B) osmosis.
C) diffusion.
D) symports and antiports.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sodium-potassium pumps actively transport sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane, creating concentration gradients that are necessary for nerve impulse transmission. This process maintains a higher concentration of sodium ions outside the cell and a higher concentration of potassium ions inside the cell. Osmosis, diffusion, symports, and antiports also play a role in ion concentrations, but sodium-potassium pumps are the primary mechanism for establishing and maintaining these gradients.

The Concentrations of Ions Are Very Different Inside and Outside