The Na+/K+ pump maintains the resting potential of the cell membrane. In order to fulfill this task the pump:

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Correct Answer: A. moves 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in the cell
Maintenance of the cell membrane potential is conducted by keeping a low concentration of Na ions and high concentration of K ions inside the cell. The pump uses ATP energy to expel three Na ions out of the cell. Also, the pump enables entrance of two K ions into cell. However, the resting potential of the membrane IS NOT as a result of pumping out 3 positive ions and only pumping in 2 positive ions. The resting potential is achieved due to the impermeability of the membrane to the ions.
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