What term describes wave-like changes in the electrical properties of a cell membrane?

The term that describes wave-like changes in the electrical properties of a cell membrane is action potential. Action potentials are rapid changes in the membrane potential that propagate along the membrane of excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle fibers. This process involves a depolarization phase that rapidly shifts the membrane potential from a resting state, typically around -70 mV, to a positive value, followed by a repolarization phase where the membrane returns to its resting potential. This wave-like change is crucial for the transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system and for muscle contraction.

In contrast, resting potential refers to the stable, baseline membrane potential of a cell when it is not actively transmitting a signal. Graded potential refers to localized changes in membrane potential that vary in magnitude and do not trigger an all-or-nothing response like an action potential. Membrane potential is a broader term that encompasses both resting potential and action potential, but it does not specifically describe the wave-like behavior. Thus, action potential is the most accurate term for the phenomenon described in the question.