The critical level to which the membrane potential must be depolarized in order to cause an action potential is called the:
A. resting membrane potential
B. receptor (generator) potential
C. excitatory postsynaptic potential
D. electrical refractory period
E. threshold potential
F. end plate potential
Answer:-(e) threshold potential
Explanation:- the minimum potential needed to achieve an action potential is called threshold potential. Action potential occurs only when the membrane is stimulated (depolarized) enough so that sodium channel get opened completely and more of sodium enters the membrane. This makes the membrane potential more negative. When the membrane potential reaches the threshold potential ( generally 5-15 mV less negative than resting potential) , all voltage gated sodium channel get opened. Sodium ions rapidly diffuse inwards and depolarization occurs.
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