Question

according to the all - or - none law, what would happen if a neuron were depolarized by waves that caused stimuli very briefly produce any action potentials?
multiple choice
the action potential would not be affected by the strength of the depolarization.
the action potential would have an inhibitory effect on the next neuron.
nothing would happen, because the cell must be polarized to fire.
the strength of the action potential would be proportionate to the depolarization.

Explanation:

The all - or - none law states that an action potential either occurs fully or not at all, and its amplitude doesn't depend on the strength of the depolarization (the stimulus intensity once it's above threshold).

• Option 2 is wrong as action potentials are typically excitatory (or inhibitory in some cases, but this isn't related to all - or - none).
• Option 3 is wrong because a cell fires when depolarized past threshold, not just polarized.
• Option 4 is wrong as action potential strength is not proportional to depolarization (all - or - none).
• Option 1 is correct as per the all - or - none law.

Answer:

The action potential would not be affected by the strength of the depolarization.