Imagine you created a toxin such that when a neuron fired an action potential, the toxin would bind immediately to the sodium-potassium pump at the top of the action potential, but the sodium and potassium channels would still function. What process(es) would be affected?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sodium-potassium pump is crucial for maintaining the resting potential of a neuron and for helping the neuron return to its resting potential after an action potential, including after the hyperpolarization phase. It does this by actively transporting sodium ions out of the neuron and potassium ions into the neuron, against their concentration gradients. If the pump were inhibited, the neuron would struggle to maintain its resting potential and to return to it after firing an action potential.

Imagine You Created a Toxin Such That When a Neuron