If the sodium-potassium pump was inhibited by a drug,such as digitalis,what would happen to the membrane potential of the cell?
A)The membrane potential would slowly decrease.
B)There would be an instant loss of membrane potential.
C)There would be an instant decrease followed by an increase in membrane potential.
D)The leak channels would be disrupted.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sodium-potassium pump is responsible for maintaining the concentration gradient of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane, which in turn impacts the membrane potential. Inhibition of the pump by drugs like digitalis would lead to a slower movement of ions across the membrane, causing a slower decrease in membrane potential over time. This is because the pump is responsible for bringing in potassium ions while pumping out sodium ions, and without this process, the concentration gradient would eventually equalize, resulting in a drop in membrane potential.

If the Sodium-Potassium Pump Was Inhibited by a Drug,such as Digitalis,what