Question: If the soma of a neuron became more permeable to sodium (Na+), which statement below best describes the graded potential that would be generated? Need Assignment Help? Sodium (Na+) would leave the cell, causing the membrane to hyperpolarize. Sodium (Na+) would reach its equilibrium potential and the voltage inside the cell would not change. Sodium (Na+) would enter the cell, causing the membrane to depolarize and may reach threshold. Sodium (Na+) is an inhibitory secondary messenger; therefore, it would cause amplification of the graded potential.