The human body maintains a stable internal environment, a process known as homeostasis. This involves regulating various physiological parameters such as temperature, pH, and ion concentrations to ensure optimal conditions for cellular function. A key component of homeostasis is the regulation of certain electrolytes, including sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). These ions are crucial for many cellular processes, including the generation of action potentials in neurons and muscle cells.
One of the major transport mechanisms involved in maintaining ion balance in cells is the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase). This pump actively transports sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell, utilizing ATP to drive the process against their concentration gradients. As a result, the pump plays an essential role in establishing resting membrane potential and overall cell excitability.
Considering the role of the sodium-potassium pump in homeostasis, what would likely happen to a cell's membrane potential if the activity of this pump was inhibited?