Which is TRUE About the Na⁺,K⁺ ATPase Pump in Neurons

Question

Which is TRUE about the Na⁺,K⁺ ATPase pump in neurons?
A)It generates a small electrical potential such that the inside is made negative with respect to the outside.
B)It maintains a concentration gradient for K⁺ such that diffusion forces favor movement of K⁺ into the cell.
C)It maintains an electrical gradient at the equilibrium potential of K⁺.
D)It transports equal numbers of sodium and potassium ions with each pump cycle.
E)It pumps 3 Na⁺ ions into the cell for every 2 K⁺ ions it pumps out.

Accepted Answer

The Na⁺,K⁺ ATPase pump generates a small electrical potential by pumping 3 Na⁺ ions out of the cell and 2 K⁺ ions into the cell for each cycle, making the inside of the cell negative relative to the outside. This is crucial for maintaining the resting membrane potential in neurons.