Question

Neurons have special proteins in their cell membranes that allow them to generate electric current. Are these proteins most likely produced by ribosomes on the rough ER or ribosomes suspended in the cytoplasm? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

Sodium-Potassium pumps (proteins that help neurons generate electricity) are produced by ribosomes on the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Explanation:

Sodium-Potassium Pump (NA+/K+):

The Na+/K+ Pump is a transmembrane channel protein, responsible for maintaining the concentration gradient of sodium and potassium ions in the intra and extracellular environment. This is achieve by pumping 3 Na+ outside and 2 K+ inside the cell at the cost of one ATP. In neurons, these channels help in generating an action potential across the cell membrane that gives rise to a nerve impulse.

Production of Transmembrane proteins:

All membranes and their proteins are produced by  the ribosomes on the rough ER. The rough endoplasmic reticulum contains the enzymes required for lipid synthesis; and as cell membranes are made of lipids, the ER is the most suitable location for synthesis. Membrane proteins, particularly, transmembrane proteins like the Na+/K+ pump possess hydrophobic surfaces that don't dissolve in the cytoplasm but readily attach to the ER surface from where they can be transported wherever required.