What do graded potentials exhibit in relation to stimulus strength?

Graded potentials are important in understanding how neurons respond to stimuli. They exhibit variable magnitude, meaning that the strength or amplitude of a graded potential can change based on the intensity of the stimulus. When a stimulus is applied to a neuron, the greater the strength of that stimulus, the larger the graded potential that is generated. This property allows graded potentials to reflect the intensity of the stimulus, which is essential for the nervous system to process various levels of sensory input.

The concept of variable magnitude is crucial because it enables neurons to convey more nuanced information. For instance, a slight touch may produce a smaller graded potential, while a firm push would create a larger one. This ability to vary in strength provides a mechanism for the neuron to integrate and relay information to other neurons along the pathway.

In contrast, other options describe characteristics that do not apply to graded potentials. Fixed magnitude would imply that all graded potentials respond uniformly to stimulation, which is not how they function. The statement that graded potentials always cause action potentials is misleading, as graded potentials must reach a certain threshold to trigger an action potential; not all graded potentials achieve this. Lastly, constant levels regardless of stimulus cannot apply to graded potentials, as their defining trait is their capacity to change based on the magnitude