If the concentration of ATP were depleted in a typical nerve cell,the A)Resting membrane potential would increase (become more negative) B)Resting membrane potential would decrease (become less negative) C)Concentration gradient for Na⁺ would remain the same D)Resting membrane potential would eventually become positive inside with respect to outside E)None of the choices are correct

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

ATP is required for the sodium-potassium pump to maintain the concentration gradient of ions across the cell membrane. If ATP is depleted, the pump cannot function properly, leading to an increase in the intracellular sodium concentration and a decrease in the intracellular potassium concentration, which will cause a decrease in the resting membrane potential (become less negative).  Therefore, the best choice is B.

If the Concentration of ATP Were Depleted in a Typical