A common feature of action potentials is that they ________.
A) cause the membrane to hyperpolarize and then depolarize
B) can undergo temporal and spatial summation
C) are triggered by a depolarization that reaches the threshold potential
D) move at the same speed along all axons
E) require the diffusion of Na+ and K+ through ligand-gated channels to propagate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Action potentials are triggered when a depolarization reaches the threshold potential, which opens voltage-gated Na+ channels and triggers a rapid depolarization phase.

Answer: B
 Action potentials can undergo temporal and spatial summation, which means that they can add up over time or across different areas of the membrane to produce a stronger signal. This allows for more precise communication between neurons.

Answer: E
 Action potentials require the diffusion of Na+ and K+ through voltage-gated channels to propagate. Ligand-gated channels are involved in generating graded potentials, which can either help or hinder the initiation of an action potential.

Therefore, the correct answer is C and B.

A Common Feature of Action Potentials Is That They ________