EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -[3][4] The Na+K+-ATPase pump helps to maintain osmotic equilibrium and membrane potential in cells. The sodium and potassium move against the concentration gradients. The Na+ K+-ATPase pump maintains the gradient of a higher concentration of sodium extracellularly and a higher level of potassium intracellularly.

Detailed explanation-2: -In order to maintain this electrochemical gradient, the sodium potassium (Na/K) pump actively transports out three sodium ions for every two potassium ions it brings in. This process generates a net outward current and thus hyperpolarizes the resting potential.

Detailed explanation-3: -The dominant ion in setting the resting membrane potential is potassium. Potassium conductance accounts for approximately 20% of the resting membrane conductance in skeletal muscle and accounts for most of the resting conductance in neurons and nerve fibers.

Detailed explanation-4: -The sodium-potassium pump has the job of keeping the axon ready for the next signal. The gradient also helps control the osmotic pressure inside cells, and powers a variety of other pumps that link the flow of sodium ions with the transport of other molecules, such as calcium ions or glucose.