Final answer:
A slight shift away from the resting membrane potentials in a specific region of the plasma membrane is called a graded potential. Graded potentials can be either depolarizing or hyperpolarizing, representing a change in voltage above or below the resting potential (-70 mV).
Step-by-step explanation:
A slight shift away from the resting membrane potentials in a specific region of the plasma membrane is called a graded potential. Graded potentials can be either depolarizing or hyperpolarizing, representing a change in voltage above or below the resting potential (-70 mV). Depolarizing graded potentials can be caused by the entry of Na+ or Ca2+ ions into the cell, while hyperpolarizing graded potentials can result from K+ leaving the cell or Cl- entering the cell.