The Na+/K+ ATPase pump plays only a minor role in directly generating the resting membrane potential. (The electrogenic contributions are minimal.) However, the cell's membrane potential would not be possible without it. Explain how this can be true
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Although the electrogenic properties of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump cannot account for the resting membrane potential, it does generate a large concentration gradient for both Na+ and K+. Because of this, when a K+ channel is open, K+ is able to move through the channel and down its gradient. The movement of the charge is a major contributor to the resting membrane potential.
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