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Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly describes a general property of all electrogenic pumps?
A
Electrogenic pumps pump sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell.
B
Electrogenic pumps can pump a large variety of solutes across a membrane against their concentration gradient.
C
Electrogenic pumps result in a cell with an interior that is positively charged relative to the outside the cell.
D
Electrogenic pumps result in a cell with a high internal concentration of protons.
E
Electrogenic pumps create a voltage difference across the membrane.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of electrogenic pumps: Electrogenic pumps are membrane proteins that transport ions across a cell membrane, creating an electrical gradient (voltage difference) by moving charged particles.
Identify the function of electrogenic pumps: These pumps typically move ions against their concentration gradient using energy, often from ATP, which contributes to the membrane potential.
Consider the sodium-potassium pump as an example: This specific electrogenic pump moves 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions into the cell, contributing to a negative charge inside the cell relative to the outside.
Evaluate the options: The key property of electrogenic pumps is their ability to create a voltage difference across the membrane, not necessarily the specific ions they transport or the charge distribution they create.
Conclude with the correct description: Electrogenic pumps are characterized by their ability to generate a voltage difference across the membrane, which is essential for various cellular processes.