Membrane transport: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Membrane transport

Sample item

What is the role of the sodium-potassium ATPase?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Pumps sodium out and potassium into cells

The sodium-potassium ATPase uses ATP to export three sodium ions and import two potassium ions, maintaining electrochemical gradients.

Option by option

  • A. Releases calcium from sarcoplasmic reticulum

    Calcium release uses ryanodine receptors.

  • B. Moves glucose into muscle without insulin

    Glucose uptake uses transporters such as GLUT4.

  • C. Generates action potentials directly

    Ion channels generate action potential changes.

  • D. Pumps sodium out and potassium into cells (correct)

    Correct: this pump maintains sodium and potassium gradients.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Physiology questions

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is D, Pumps sodium out and potassium into cells. The sodium-potassium ATPase uses ATP to export three sodium ions and import two potassium ions, maintaining electrochemical gradients.

Why is "Releases calcium from sarcoplasmic reticulum" not the answer?

Calcium release uses ryanodine receptors.

Why is "Moves glucose into muscle without insulin" not the answer?

Glucose uptake uses transporters such as GLUT4.

Why is "Generates action potentials directly" not the answer?

Ion channels generate action potential changes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Membrane transport in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: this pump maintains sodium and potassium gradients.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Membrane transport?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.