Which of the following statements accurately captures a contrast between action potentials and postsynaptic potentials?
A) Action potentials may be graded in strength. Postsynaptic potentials are all-or-none events.
B) Action potentials can become stronger or weaker with experience. Postsynaptic potentials cannot.
C) Whereas action potentials are depolarizing, postsynaptic potentials may be either depolarizing or hyperpolarizing.
D) Whereas action potentials are depolarizing, postsynaptic potentials are hyperpolarizing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Action potentials are all-or-none events that are always depolarizing. In contrast, postsynaptic potentials can be either depolarizing (excitatory postsynaptic potentials, or EPSPs) or hyperpolarizing (inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, or IPSPs). Therefore, choice C accurately captures a contrast between the two types of potentials.

Which of the Following Statements Accurately Captures a Contrast Between