Question

5.(2) Compare and contrast graded potentials and action potentials

	Graded potential	Action potential
Distance traveled (short or long)
What causes it
Where can it occur
In what direction does the signal travel
By what process does the signal travel
Depolarizing or hyperpolarizing
How large a change occurs
Speed of change in membrane potential

Answer 1

	Graded potential	Action potential
Distance traveled (short or long)	Shorter	Longer
What causes it	caused by sensory neurons or by neuro transmitters	caused by depolarization of membrane
Where can it occur	in post synaptic cell	in regeions where Sodium and potassium are high.
In what direction does the signal travel	to the neighboring membrane regions	to the neighboring membrane regions
By what process does the signal travel	travels through electronic spread	travels in the direction of a new action potential at any point along the way.
Depolarizing or hyperpolarizing	as per the stimulus, graded potentials can be either depolarizing or hyperpolarizing.	always depolarizing
How large a change occurs	small	large
Speed of change in membrane potential	less	more