Why do the distributions of sodium and potassium ions across the plasma membrane of neurons not change appreciably, even following hundreds of action potentials? A) The movement of sodium and potassium ions that occurs during an action potential is countered by the passive movement of these ions during the repolarization phase. B) The movement of sodium and potassium ions that occurs during an action potential is countered by the passive movement of these ions during the after -hyperpolarization. C) The movement of sodium and potassium ions that occurs during an action potential is countered by counter -transport of potassium with sodium during rest. D) The movement of sodium and potassium ions that occurs during an action potential is countered by the active transport of these ions by the Na⁺/K⁺pump. E) The movement of sodium and potassium ions that occurs during an action potential is countered by the passive leak of these ions when a neuron is at rest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Na+/K+ pump actively transports sodium and potassium ions back to their original sides of the plasma membrane after an action potential, maintaining their concentration gradients despite repeated action potentials.

Why Do the Distributions of Sodium and Potassium Ions Across