Sodium-Potassium Pumps _______

Question

Sodium-potassium pumps _______.
A) help maintain the resting potential of a neuron
B) pump potassium ions out of the neuron
C) are activated by neurotransmitters
D) help maintain the hyperpolarized state of the resting neuron

Accepted Answer

Sodium-potassium pumps help maintain the resting potential of a neuron by pumping out three sodium ions for every two potassium ions that are pumped in. This creates a negative charge inside the neuron, which is necessary for proper nerve impulse transmission.