Final answer:
When ATP is removed from the system, the sodium-potassium pump lacks the energy source for active transport and will stop functioning, thereby ceasing to maintain the ion concentration gradients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sodium-potassium pump, also known as the Na+/K+ ATPase, is a critical protein for maintaining the correct concentrations of Na+ and K+ ions within living cells, which in turn contributes to the electrochemical gradient necessary for various cellular processes. This pump operates by using energy derived from the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to transport Na+ ions out of the cell and K+ ions into the cell against their respective concentration gradients. Therefore, when ATP is removed from the system, the Na+/K+ pump will cease to function as it lacks the necessary energy source to conduct active transport. Without the input of energy from ATP, the pump cannot maintain the ion concentration gradients, and so Option c) The Na+/K+ pump will stop working is the correct prediction.
When ATP is removed from the system, the Na+/K+ pump activity will decrease. The Na+/K+ pump requires ATP to function and uses ATP to change shape and transport ions across the cell membrane. Without ATP, the pump will not be able to carry out its normal function effectively.