Chapter 4.2, Problem 1CYU

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The variation in the magnitude and duration of a graded potential with the magnitude and duration of a triggering event.

Introduction:

Graded potentials are local changes in the membrane potential in different levels or degrees of magnitude or force. The graded potential is generated by a specific trigger event which leads to the opening of the gated ion channels in an excitable cell membrane region. The resulting ion movement creates the graded potentials which most often results in depolarization from net Na⁺. The graded potential of the plasma membrane is restricted to this small, specialized area.