Neurons use both graded and action potentials to carry electrical signals from one point to another. Describe the similarities and differences between these two types of signals that could be seen within an individual neuron
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Both signals are electrical, which means that both rely on channels opening and ions flowing through the channels to generate the changes in membrane potential. There are some significant differences. Many of these differences are generated because of the types of ion channels that are used to create the potential. Action potentials rely on voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels. Graded potentials are generated by ligand-gated or mechanically gated channels. As a result, graded potentials are created by a much larger range of ions flowing through them, allowing them to have different magnitudes and durations, as well as being depolarizing or hyperpolarizing. Graded potentials can also be summed at the axon hillock. Action potentials are always depolarizing (Na+ always flows in), are always the same magnitude and duration, and cannot be summed. Graded potentials will decay over distance, while action potentials are regenerated, allowing them to travel over long distances.
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