To maintain the resting potential of the nerve cell membrane, the sodium‒potassium pump keeps the concentration of A) K⁺ and Na⁺ inside the cell lower than in the extracellular fluid. B) Na⁺ inside the cell greater than outside the cell, and that of K⁺ inside the cell lower than outside the cell. C) K⁺ inside the cell greater than in the extracellular fluid, and that of Na⁺ inside the cell lower than outside the cell. D) Na⁺ and K⁺ inside the cell greater than outside the cell. E) negative ions higher inside the cell by pumping negative ions across the membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sodium-potassium pump maintains the resting potential of the nerve cell membrane by pumping out three sodium ions (Na+) for every two potassium ions (K+) it pumps in. This keeps the concentration of Na+ inside the cell lower than outside the cell and keeps the concentration of K+ inside the cell higher than outside the cell. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it reflects this activity of the sodium-potassium pump.

To Maintain the Resting Potential of the Nerve Cell Membrane