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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.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of electrogenic pumps: Electrogenic pumps are membrane proteins that move ions across a cell membrane, creating an electrical gradient (voltage difference) by transporting charged particles.
Identify the most common example: The sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump) is a well-known electrogenic pump that moves 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions into the cell, contributing to the voltage difference across the membrane.
Analyze the options: Consider each statement in the context of what electrogenic pumps do. They do not necessarily pump sodium and potassium, nor do they result in a positively charged interior or high internal proton concentration.
Focus on the voltage difference: The primary function of electrogenic pumps is to create and maintain a voltage difference across the membrane by moving ions, which is crucial for various cellular processes.
Conclude with the correct property: The defining characteristic of electrogenic pumps is their ability to create a voltage difference across the membrane, which is essential for maintaining the cell's electrochemical gradient.