Question

In a nerve cell, if sodium-potassium pumps are blocked, which of the following is most likely to happen?

• A. $K^{+}$ inside the nerve cell will increase
• B. $N{a}^{+}$ and $K^{+}$ will increase outside the cell
• C. $N{a}^{+}$ outside the cell will increase
• D. $N{a}^{+}$ inside the nerve cell will increase

Answer 1

The correct option is D $N{a}^{+}$ inside the nerve cell will increase

During resting membrane potential, the sodium-potassium pump transports 3 $N{a}^{+}$ outwards for 2 $K^{+}$ into the nerve cell. This works against the concentration gradient by utilising ATP.

If the sodium-potassium pump is blocked, then the concentration of sodium ions inside the cell will increase.