1. What allows a cell to stockpile substances in greater concentration than they occur outside the cell? is it active transport?
2. The sodium potassium pump prevents the accumulation of what ions inside the cell?
3. Conduction of nerve impulses is possible because of what? ion channels?
1. Yes, active transport is the process that allows a cell to stockpile substances in greater concentration than they occur outside the cell. Active transport requires the expenditure of energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.
2. The sodium-potassium pump prevents the accumulation of sodium ions (Na+) inside the cell and the accumulation of potassium ions (K+) outside the cell. It maintains a higher concentration of potassium ions inside the cell and a higher concentration of sodium ions outside the cell.
3. Conduction of nerve impulses is possible because of ion channels. Ion channels are specialized proteins embedded in the cell membrane that allow the passage of specific ions, such as sodium and potassium, across the membrane. These ion channels play a crucial role in generating and transmitting electrical signals along nerve cells.
1. Yes, active transport is the process that allows a cell to stockpile substances in greater concentration than they occur outside the cell. Active transport requires energy to move molecules or ions against their concentration gradient, from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration. This process is essential for maintaining the concentration gradients needed for various cellular functions.
To understand this concept, you can think of active transport as a "pump" that actively moves molecules or ions across the cell membrane, typically using ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as an energy source. Examples of active transport mechanisms include the sodium-potassium pump and the proton pump.
2. The sodium-potassium (Na+/K+) pump prevents the accumulation of sodium ions (Na+) inside the cell and potassium ions (K+) outside the cell. This pump is an example of active transport. It actively moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, against their concentration gradients.
The Na+/K+ pump plays a crucial role in maintaining the resting membrane potential of cells, which is essential for various cellular processes, including the transmission of nerve impulses. It helps establish an electrochemical gradient by maintaining a higher concentration of potassium ions inside the cell and a lower concentration of sodium ions inside the cell.
3. Yes, the conduction of nerve impulses is possible because of ion channels. Ion channels are proteins embedded in the cell membrane that selectively allow specific ions, such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), or chloride (Cl-), to pass through. These channels can open or close, allowing ions to move across the cell membrane in response to various stimuli.
When a nerve impulse, also known as an action potential, is generated, ion channels in the membrane of a neuron open, allowing the flow of specific ions, primarily sodium and potassium. The movement of ions creates an electrical current that travels down the neuron, allowing the transmission of signals. This process is critical for the proper functioning of the nervous system and communication between neurons.