The primary difference between an EPSP and an action potential is that ____.
A)the magnitude of an action potential decreases as it travels along the membrane
B)EPSPs occur without sodium ions entering the cell
C)action potentials are always hyperpolarizations
D)EPSPs are subthreshold events that decay over time and space

Question

The primary difference between an EPSP and an action potential is that ____.​
A)the magnitude of an action potential decreases as it travels along the membrane
B)​EPSPs occur without sodium ions entering the cell
C)​action potentials are always hyperpolarizations
D)EPSPs are subthreshold events that decay over time and space

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

EPSPs are graded potentials that can be either subthreshold or suprathreshold. They decay over time and space as they spread across the dendritic tree. On the other hand, action potentials are all-or-nothing events that involve the rapid depolarization and repolarization of the membrane and are not subject to decay.

The Primary Difference Between an EPSP and an Action Potential