Question

You observe that a neuron treated with a metabolic inhibitor which prevents ATP generation still can generate action potentials even when the cell has little ATP, but the neuron eventually loses the ability to generate action potentials. What does this tell you about the direct mechanism for regenerating the resting potential after an action potential?

Answer 1

Although the Na+/K+ ATPase pump is important for the maintaining of the resting potential over a long period. Passive movement of ions quickly restore the resting potential following an action potential.