Question

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

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

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Sodium potassium pump pushes 3 $Na^{+}$ out of the nerve for 2 $K^{+}$ that it pushes inside the nerve. This helps in maintaining the resting membrane potential. If it is blocked $Na^{+}$ won't be able to leave the nerve and will get accumulated within the nerve and $K^{+}$ will not be able to enter the nerve and will accumulate outside the nerve.