Question

What are the two major classes of graded potentials?

1) Transmitter potentials and receptor potentials
2) Action potentials and synaptic potentials
3) Resting potentials and threshold potentials
4) Excitatory potentials and inhibitory potentials

Answer 1

Generator and receptor potentials are the two major classes of graded potentials. Generator potentials occur in dendrites of unipolar sensory neurons and influence action potential generation. Receptor potentials occur in specialized cells and trigger neurotransmitter release.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two major classes of graded potentials are generator potentials and receptor potentials. Generator potentials develop in the dendrites of unipolar sensory neurons, such as those within encapsulations or with free nerve endings. They influence the generation of an action potential in the axon of the same neuron. Receptor potentials occur in specialized sensory receptor cells, like taste cells or retina photoreceptors, and these graded potentials result in the release of neurotransmitters at synapses with sensory neurons. The question's listed options are incorrect, as the correct classes are not among them. Instead, graded potentials include these sensory related potentials as well as postsynaptic potentials (PSPs), which are either excitatory or inhibitory depending on whether they cause depolarization or hyperpolarization, respectively.