You have accidentally poisoned the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase pump with ouabain. Predict what effect this might have on the action potential. A) None, as action potentials rely on channels for Na⁺ and K⁺ to cross the membrane, not pumps. B) It will make action potentials more likely to occur as the pump normally makes the cell more negative, so without it the membrane will reach threshold more easily. C) It will not have an immediate effect, but eventually action potentials will stop as the Na⁺ and K⁺ gradients are depleted. D) It will shorten the duration of the action potential as there will not be as many ions available to cross the membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase pump is responsible for maintaining ion gradients across the membrane. Without this pump, eventually the gradients will be depleted and the action potential will no longer be able to occur. However, this process may take some time and there may not be an immediate effect on the action potential.

You Have Accidentally Poisoned the Na+/K+ ATPase Pump with Ouabain

You Have Accidentally Poisoned the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase Pump with Ouabain