Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.




c. The Na+/K+ pumps and gated channels maintain the Na+ and K+ gradients necessary for action potentials to occur.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the role of Na+/K+ pumps in maintaining ion gradients across the cell membrane.
2. Understand the function of gated channels in the context of action potentials.
3. Determine if both Na+/K+ pumps and gated channels are involved in maintaining Na+ and K+ gradients.
4. Evaluate the statement based on the roles of Na+/K+ pumps and gated channels.
5. If the statement is false, correct it by specifying the distinct roles of Na+/K+ pumps and gated channels in maintaining ion gradients and facilitating action potentials.

Key Concepts

Na+/K+ Pump

The Na+/K+ pump is a vital membrane protein that actively transports sodium (Na+) out of the cell and potassium (K+) into the cell, using ATP for energy. This process is essential for maintaining the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane, which is crucial for various cellular functions, including the generation of action potentials in neurons.

Gated Channels

Gated channels are specialized protein structures in the cell membrane that open or close in response to specific stimuli, allowing ions to flow in or out of the cell. These channels play a critical role in the initiation and propagation of action potentials by enabling rapid changes in membrane potential when ions like Na+ and K+ move across the membrane.

Action Potential

An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in the electrical membrane potential of a neuron or muscle cell, allowing for the transmission of signals. It occurs when the membrane depolarizes due to the influx of Na+ through gated channels, followed by repolarization as K+ exits the cell, restoring the resting membrane potential and enabling further signaling.