Answer to Question #126638 in Biology for Randy Aseni

Question

ATPase is an enzyme that can hydrolyse ATP and release the potential energy stored in the phosphate bond. How would a metabolic inhibitor that blocks ATPase function affect the resting potential of nerve cells?

Answer 1

The resting potential in nerve cells is maintained mainly by the sodium/potassium pump. This ATPase hydrolyzes ATP and transfers three sodium ions outside and two potassium ions inside the cell. As a result, the sodium/potassium ATPase maintains an electrochemical gradient and resting potential that equals approximately -70 mV. Block of ATPases and sodium/potassium pump will lead to the accumulation of sodium ions inside the cell and potassium ions outside the cell increasing the resting potential.