Evaluate the role of electrochemical gradients in the function of nerve cells.

• A. Electrochemical gradients are irrelevant to nerve impulse transmission.
• B. Electrochemical gradients directly synthesize neurotransmitters.
• C. Electrochemical gradients are crucial for nerve impulse transmission by facilitating ion movement across membranes.
• D. Electrochemical gradients only affect muscle cells, not nerve cells.

Answer: (C)