1.What are the consequences of paralyzing the sodium: potassium pump in living cells
Answer
The Na, K ATPase pump extrude 3Na+ from the cell and take 2 K+ into the cell by using energy ,produced from hydrolysis of ATP to ADP .
Consequences of paralyzing the sodium: potassium pump
1.Regulation of cellular volume
There are number of negatively charged proteins and organic molecules inside the cell. These ions can not leave the cell . Therefore more and more Positively charge molecules and ion attract into the cell ( Na + , K+ ). All these ions and molecules cause osmosis of water into the cell.If this process continue , cell will swell and burst.
But this prevented by actively pumping 3 Na + ion out side the cell and 2 K + ion inside the cell (Na+/K+-ATPase pump ) and staying more Na+ ion out side the cell , because membrane is less permeable to sodium ions than to potassium ions.This initiates osmosis of water out of the cell as well.
Therefore if Na+/K+-ATPase pump parlays cell will swell and burst
2.Helps maintain resting membrane potential
Inside the cell K+ concentration is high and out side cell Na+ concentration is high . This concentration gradient maintained by Na+/K+-ATPase pump and it helps to maintain negativity inside the cell . when Na+/K+-ATPase pump blocked , more and more Na + ion accumulate inside the cell and negativity inside cell reduced resulting reduced RMP
3.Transport
The Na+/K+-ATPase pump ( primary active transport ) transport more Na + ion out side and create a large concentration gradient across the cell membrane . This concentration gredient provide driving force for several secondary active transporters .Therefore glucose and amino acids enter into cell by use of sodium gradient ( secondary active co- transport ).Therefore , if Na+/K+-ATPase pump blocked , glucose and amino acids will not absorb from intestinal tract and the renal tubules of the kidneys .
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