Final answer:
The option that increases the action potential conduction rate is to increase the diameter of the axon and decrease the resistance of the axon membrane to ion leakage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate of conduction of action potentials in axons is influenced by the axonal diameter and membrane resistance to ion leakage. A larger diameter reduces the resistance inside the axon, allowing faster propagation of the electrical signal, akin to water flowing more swiftly through a wide river than a narrow stream. On the other hand, increased resistance of the axon membrane to ion leakage, provided by the insulating properties of myelin, prevents the dissipation of the electrical signal, resulting in a more efficient and rapid transmission. Therefore, the option that will increase the conduction rate of action potentials is A) Increase the diameter of the axon, decrease the resistance of the axon membrane to ion leakage.