NEETZoologyNeural Control and Coordination
What is the main function of the sodium-potassium pump in the neuron?
Options
- ATo transport potassium ions into the axon.
- BTo transport sodium ions into the axon.
- CTo transport sodium ions outwards and potassium ions into the cell.
- DTo transport both sodium and potassium ions into the cell.
Correct answer
C. To transport sodium ions outwards and potassium ions into the cell.
Step-by-step solution
The electrical potential difference across the resting plasma membrane is called the resting potential.The outer surface of the axonal membrane possesses a positive charge while its inner surface becomes negatively charged and therefore is polarised When a neuron is resting, the axonal membrane is comparatively more permeable to potassium ions and nearly impermeable to sodium ions. The axoplasm inside the axon contains high concentration of K⁺ and negatively charged proteins and low concentration of Na⁺. The electr