Question

Most proteins in the axon of a neuron are synthesized in the cell body. Develop a quantitative argument illustrating the need for active transport mechanisms in a neuron.

Answer 1

Active transport refers to the movement in the direction opposite to the gradient. In order to push the substances in the direction opposite to the concentration, utilisation of energy by the cell becomes very important. Here, active transport processes play a vital role. They start consuming energy which is usually in the form of ATP, in order to cultivate the right amount of concentrations of ions within the cellular structures.

In order to explain how active transport is needed in aneuron, the example of sodium-potassium pump could be considered which is a transport protein. In the cellular membranes of the nerve cells, a considerable amount of replicas of this protein are found. The function of this protein is to push potassium in the cells and sodium out of the nerve cells. This mechanism supports the nerve cells to send nerve impulses.