Question

In a nerve if the sodium pump is blocked, which of the following is most likely to happen ?

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

Answer 1

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

The ionic concentration gradients across the resting membrane are maintained by active transport of ions by sodium-potassium pump which transports 3 $N{a}^{+}$ outwards for 2 $K^{+}$ into the cell. Hence, if the sodium pump is blocked, sodium inside the nerve will increase.