Which is TRUE about the Na⁺,K⁺ ATPase pump in neurons?
A)It generates a small electrical potential such that the inside is made negative with respect to the outside.
B)It maintains a concentration gradient for K⁺ such that diffusion forces favor movement of K⁺ into the cell.
C)It maintains an electrical gradient at the equilibrium potential of K⁺.
D)It transports equal numbers of sodium and potassium ions with each pump cycle.
E)It pumps 3 Na⁺ ions into the cell for every 2 K⁺ ions it pumps out.

Question

Which is TRUE about the Na⁺,K⁺ ATPase pump in neurons?
A)It generates a small electrical potential such that the inside is made negative with respect to the outside.
B)It maintains a concentration gradient for K⁺ such that diffusion forces favor movement of K⁺ into the cell.
C)It maintains an electrical gradient at the equilibrium potential of K⁺.
D)It transports equal numbers of sodium and potassium ions with each pump cycle.
E)It pumps 3 Na⁺ ions into the cell for every 2 K⁺ ions it pumps out.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Na⁺,K⁺ ATPase pump generates a small electrical potential by pumping 3 Na⁺ ions out of the cell and 2 K⁺ ions into the cell for each cycle, making the inside of the cell negative relative to the outside. This is crucial for maintaining the resting membrane potential in neurons.

Which Is TRUE About the Na⁺,K⁺ ATPase Pump in Neurons