Graded potentials are depolarizations or hyperpolarizations whose strength is proportional to the strength of the triggering event. Graded potentials lose their strength as they move through the cell due to the leakage of charge across the membrane (eg. leaky water hose).

What causes a graded potential to degrade?

A graded potential is produced when a ligand opens a ligand-gated channel in the dendrites, allowing ions to enter (or exit) the cell. ... The graded potential will degrade with distance, so it would decrement before reaching the end of the axon if an action potential were not generated.

Do graded potentials lose intensity?

Why do graded potentials lose strength as they move through the cytoplasm? A grade potential starts above threshold at its initiation point but decreases in strength as it travels through the cell body. At the trigger zone, it is below threshold and therefore does not initiate an action potential.