Final answer:
Action potentials are generated by the movement of ions across the cell membrane, which all cells possess, allowing cell communication particularly in nerve and muscle cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Action potentials can be generated by virtually all cells of the body because all cells possess cell membranes. An action potential is a critical process used for cell communication, particularly in nerve and muscle cells, which are considered electrically excitable. Action potentials involve the rapid influx and efflux of ions like sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) across the cell membrane, leading to a change in the electrical potential difference across it. This excitation process begins when a stimulus makes the membrane permeable to Na+ ions, causing depolarization. Subsequently, repolarization occurs as the membrane becomes impermeable to Na+ again and K+ moves out of the cell. This sequence of ion movement generates the electric signal known as an action potential. Although not all cells respond as quickly as neurons or muscle cells, they are nevertheless capable of responding to stimuli as provided by active transport mechanisms that maintain ion concentration gradients, vital for the next action potential to occur.