Answer:
During the action potential phase of a neuron, the sodium-potassium pump plays an important role in maintaining the electrical balance of the cell. The correct function of the sodium-potassium pump during this phase is to facilitate the resetting of the membrane potential back to rest after the action potential.
To understand this function, let's go through the action potential phase step-by-step:
1. Rising phase: At the beginning of the action potential, the sodium channels rapidly open, allowing sodium ions to enter the cell. This causes the inside of the cell to become positively charged, leading to depolarization.
2. Falling phase: After reaching its peak, the membrane potential needs to be repolarized for the neuron to reset. The sodium-potassium pump contributes to this phase by actively transporting sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell. This helps restore the original balance of ions and brings the membrane potential back to its resting state.
3. Resting potential: The sodium-potassium pump also operates during the resting potential phase of a neuron. It maintains the concentration gradient by actively pumping out three sodium ions for every two potassium ions it brings in. This action creates an electrochemical gradient that allows the neuron to generate and transmit electrical signals efficiently.
In summary, the sodium-potassium pump plays a crucial role during the action potential phase of a neuron by facilitating the resetting of the membrane potential back to rest after the depolarization phase. It helps restore the balance of ions and prepares the neuron for subsequent electrical signaling.
Step-by-step explanation: