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 cell to expend energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. This is achieved by proteins called pumps or transporters embedded in the cell membrane. These pumps use energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) to move molecules or ions across the membrane, against the concentration gradient.

To understand this concept, you can imagine a person carrying heavy objects up a hill. The person needs to exert energy to move the objects against the force of gravity. Similarly, active transport requires the cell to invest energy to move substances from areas of low concentration to areas of higher concentration.

2. The sodium-potassium pump prevents the accumulation of sodium ions (Na+) inside the cell while also maintaining a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) inside the cell. It actively transports three sodium ions out of the cell for every two potassium ions it brings into the cell.

The sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport. It uses ATP energy to move sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane against their concentration gradient. This active transport mechanism is vital for maintaining proper cell volume, controlling the electrical potential across the membrane, and facilitating nerve impulse conduction.

3. Yes, the conduction of nerve impulses is made possible due to ion channels. Ion channels are specialized proteins that are present in the plasma membrane of nerve cells. They selectively allow specific ion species, such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+), to flow in and out of the cell.

During the conduction of a nerve impulse, ion channels play a crucial role in generating and propagating electrical signals along the nerve cells. These channels can open or close in response to different stimuli, such as changes in voltage or the binding of specific molecules, allowing the regulated flow of ions across the membrane. This movement of ions creates changes in the electrical potential across the membrane, leading to the transmission of nerve impulses.