When erythrocytes (red blood cells; RBCs) are placed in a hypotonic solution suc

Question

When erythrocytes (red blood cells; RBCs) are placed in a hypotonic solution such as distilled water, they swell until the plasma membrane ruptures. This produces an empty cell membrane called a ghost. When isolated ghosts are subsequently placed in an isotonic solution, they reseal, regain their normal impermeability, and trap a little fluid inside. Assuming that ghosts are released in their correct orientation, in which of the following experiments will the Na+-K- pump function normally? Explain why the other conditions will not yield activity; you may group them to save space.

Kt Experiment ATP Na K Nat In In Experiment ATP Conditions for Experiments on ATP Hydrolysis by "Resealed" Erythrocyte Ghost Membranes Out In Out Out0 Out OutOut Out Out Out Out Out 12 13 Out In Out In Out 15 16 17 18 In Out In Out In Out Out 0 Outandre 8 The ghosts have been resealed in one medium and then placed in another so that ATP, Nat, and K+ each are present inside, present outside, or absent (0) as indicated. In In In Out 10 Out

Explanation / Answer

Na-K pump functions as follows: It transports 3 sodium ions out, 2 potassium ions in, (both against their concentration gradients) with hydrolysis of ATP on the cytoplasmic side. So the pump would function when

so in experiment no 4 all appropriate conditions are met and the pump will function properly.

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