ATP provides an essential energy source in the CNS for
A) division of neurons
B) maintenance of ionic gradients via ATPase
C) generation of action potentials
D) ESPSs and IPSPs
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) provides an essential energy source in the central nervous system (CNS) for several important functions. These functions include:
1) Maintenance of ionic gradients via ATPase: Option B is correct. ATP is involved in the active transport of ions across the neuronal membranes, which helps to maintain the proper balance of ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium. This is crucial for the normal functioning of neurons.
2) Generation of action potentials: Option C is correct. ATP is required for the generation and propagation of action potentials, which are electrical impulses that allow communication between neurons. ATP is utilized in the opening and closing of ion channels during the depolarization and repolarization phases of an action potential.
3) Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs): Option D is correct. ATP plays a role in the generation of EPSPs and IPSPs, which are changes in the electrical potential of a postsynaptic neuron following the activation of neurotransmitter receptors by presynaptic neurons. ATP is involved in the release of neurotransmitters and the regulation of synaptic transmission.
Therefore, the correct answers are B) maintenance of ionic gradients via ATPase, C) generation of action potentials, and D) EPSPs and IPSPs.
The correct answer is B) maintenance of ionic gradients via ATPase.
To arrive at this answer, we can consider the various functions of ATP in the central nervous system (CNS) and eliminate the incorrect options:
A) Division of neurons: While ATP is involved in various cellular processes, such as cell division, it does not directly provide energy for the division of neurons. This option can be eliminated.
B) Maintenance of ionic gradients via ATPase: Neurons utilize ATP to pump ions across their cell membranes through the action of ATPase enzymes. These ionic gradients are crucial for the proper functioning of neurons. As ATP provides energy for the ATPase enzymes to actively transport ions, this option is correct.
C) Generation of action potentials: Action potentials, the electrical signals generated by neurons, primarily rely on the movement of ions across the cell membrane through specialized channels. While ATP indirectly supports this process by maintaining the ionic gradients necessary for these channels to function, it is not directly involved in the generation of action potentials. This option can be eliminated.
D) ESPSs and IPSPs: Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) are changes in the membrane potential of a neuron caused by neurotransmitters binding to receptors on the neuron's postsynaptic membrane. While ATP plays a role in synaptic transmission, it is not directly responsible for the generation of EPSPs and IPSPs. This option can be eliminated.
By the process of elimination, we can determine that the correct answer is B) maintenance of ionic gradients via ATPase.