Question

Up to 25% of a cell's ATP is used to run sodium-potassium pumps which transport sodium outside of the cell against its concentration gradient and potassium inside the cell against its concentration gradient. Without the resulting sodium and potassium gradients, neurons and muscles cannot function properly.

If a person is poisoned with cyanide they cannot generate ATP and die within a few minutes. In this scenario, what would happen to sodium and potassium concentrations across a cell membrane?

Answer 1

The sodium-potassium pump is responsible for maintaining sodium and potassium concentrations across a cell membrane. Without this pump, the concentrations would equalize, affecting the functioning of neurons and muscles. In cyanide poisoning, the pump is unable to work and the concentrations would not be maintained.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sodium-potassium pump, also known as Na+/K+ ATPase, is responsible for maintaining sodium and potassium concentrations across a cell membrane. Without the pump, the sodium and potassium concentrations would equalize, which would disrupt the functioning of neurons and muscles. In the scenario of cyanide poisoning where ATP production is halted, the sodium-potassium pump would not be able to function and sodium and potassium concentrations would no longer be maintained.