Final answer:
Inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase would prevent proper ion transport, disrupting cellular ion gradients and membrane potential, potentially leading to cellular dysfunction or death. Potassium deficiency would exacerbate these issues, and potassium channel blockers interfere with action potential restoration.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the function of the Na+/K+ ATPase was inhibited, several significant changes would occur inside the cell. Primarily, the active transport of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions across the plasma membrane would cease. Normally, this pump moves three Na+ ions out of the cell and two K+ ions into the cell, which is essential for maintaining ion gradients, the membrane potential, and cellular homeostasis.
Without the ATPase function, the cell would not be able to maintain its resting potential, and consequently, it would be unable to properly regulate intracellular ion balance. Since this pump is an electrogenic pump, the cessation would eventually lead to a loss of the membrane potential which affects numerous cellular processes including nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction. Additionally, cells could swell due to osmotic imbalances created by the higher concentration of ions inside the cell. The cells' inability to maintain ion gradients could lead to cellular dysfunction or even cell death.
For people, a deficiency in potassium would further exacerbate these issues, as potassium is crucial for the functioning of the Na+/K+ pump and the maintenance of cellular functions. Potassium channel blockers, such as amiodarone and procainamide, affect the part of the action potential related to the reestablishment of the resting potential of the cell. This is due to their impact on voltage-gated K+ channels, again highlighting the vital role these ions play in normal cellular activities.