APFIVE In an attempt to study the role of the sodium-potassium pump in nerve cells, a researcher applied a chemical that specifically inhibits ATP production in these cells. They expected to see a decrease in the activity of the sodium-potassium pump due to the lack of ATP. However, they observed no change in the pump’s activity. What was the conceptual mistake in the researcher’s approach?
Assuming that the sodium-potassium pump’s activity solely depends on ATP produced by the cells themselves.
Expecting a decrease in pump activity without considering other cellular mechanisms that might compensate.
Applying a chemical that inhibits ATP production, which might not affect already existing ATP molecules.
Observing the pump’s activity in nerve cells, which might have unique properties affecting the experiment’s outcome.
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