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

Sodium/potassium pump is an ATPase that hydrolyzes ATP and transfers three sodium ions outside and two potassium ions inside the nerve cell. It maintains an electrochemical gradient and resting potential (-70 mV). Block of sodium/potassium pump will affect the functioning of this ATPase leading to the equilibration of sodium and potassium ions inside and outside the nerve cell. As a result, the process will increase the resting potential of the cell from -70 mV to more than 0 mV.