What would happen to the resting membrane potential if the sodium-potassium pump stopped functioning?
Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsC
The resting membrane potential is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump, which actively transports 
out and 
in, contributing to the positive charge outside and negative charge inside. If this pump stops, 
would accumulate inside and 
would leak out (since the membrane is more permeable to 
), gradually equalizing ion distribution. This leads to the loss of polarity across the membrane. It wouldn't become more negative or hyperpolarized-it would become depolarized.
Prepare Smarter with CGP Edu
Get practice questions, solutions, and test series in one place.
Write a Review
Share your experience with this question and solution.
Commentary
Send your comment, doubt, correction, or feedback to admin.
Similar Questions
Explore conceptually related problems