hard · MCAT bio-biochem
A researcher discovers a mutation that prevents the formation of the Na^+/K^+ pump in a specific line of cells.
Which of the following would be the most immediate consequence for the cell's resting membrane potential?
- The concentration gradients for Na⁺ and K⁺ will gradually dissipate, and the resting potential will eventually reach 0 mV.
- The membrane potential will lock permanently at +30 mV, the peak depolarized voltage reached during a single action potential.
- The action potential will fire spontaneously and repeatedly because ion channel regulation is entirely lost.
- The cell will immediately hyperpolarize toward -90 mV as K⁺ ions keep leaking outward, unopposed by any active reuptake mechanism.
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