Question

Which statement below is consistent with the All-or-None Law of action potential?

1) If a cell depolarizes to threshold, there is a subthreshold action potential.
2) If a cell depolarizes to threshold, there is an automatic, full-blown response.
3) If a cell experiences a subthreshold depolarization, there is no response.
4) Stronger stimuli cannot produce bigger nerve impulses than weaker stimuli.

Answer 1

The correct statement according to the All-or-None Law of action potential is that a full action potential occurs if a cell depolarizes to threshold. This law states that action potentials occur in a standardized manner and cannot vary in size but can occur more frequently with stronger stimuli.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is consistent with the All-or-None Law of action potential is: "If a cell depolarizes to threshold, there is an automatic, full-blown response."

An action potential is a rapid change in electrical potential across the plasma membrane of a neuron or muscle cell. When the threshold of excitation is reached, typically around -55 mV, the neuron fires an action potential which is a standardized electrical event. This depolarization causes Na+ channels to open, and the action potential peaks at +30 mV, after which K+ channels open causing repolarization and the subsequent resting state.

This process is "all or none," meaning that if the depolarization does not reach the threshold, no action potential will occur. If it does, a full action potential is generated, and this response is the same magnitude for every action potential. Therefore, stronger stimuli do not create larger action potentials but can lead to a higher frequency of action potentials.