Question

Toxins can interrupt the transmission of action potentials along an axon. Examples from the animal kingdom are the toxin of the puffer fish (Tetrodotoxin or TTX), the toxins of some sea anemones, or also the toxins of marine cone snails (Conotoxins). 1.) Describe the molecular processes during an action potential, uninfluenced by any toxins, at the molecular level of opening and closing of ion channels. 2.) "Tetrodotoxin inhibits the opening of Na-channels and with that the generation of action potentials. One of the conotoxins as well as the toxins of sea anemones also influence these Na-channels. However, these toxins do not inhibit the opening of the channels but instead the closing of the Na-channels." In the diagram below you see the changes of the membrane potential during a normal action potential, under the influence of tetrodotoxin, and under the influence of conotoxin. Assign each curve to the correct toxin, and identify the normal action potential. Explain in detail why you chose each assignment. (Translation of terms see above) 3.) Explain the effects that the toxins will have on the muscles fibers that are controlled by the affected axons/neurons. What effect will the toxins have on the whole organism that is affected by the toxins.

          Toxins can interrupt the transmission of action potentials along an axon. Examples from the animal kingdom are the toxin of the puffer fish (Tetrodotoxin or TTX), the toxins of some sea anemones, or also the toxins of marine cone snails (Conotoxins).

1.) Describe the molecular processes during an action potential, uninfluenced by any toxins, at the molecular level of opening and closing of ion channels.
2.) "Tetrodotoxin inhibits the opening of Na-channels and with that the generation of action potentials. One of the conotoxins as well as the toxins of sea anemones also influence these Na-channels. However, these toxins do not inhibit the opening of the channels but instead the closing of the Na-channels."
In the diagram below you see the changes of the membrane potential during a normal action potential, under the influence of tetrodotoxin, and under the influence of conotoxin. Assign each curve to the correct toxin, and identify the normal action potential. Explain in detail why you chose each assignment. (Translation of terms see above)

3.) Explain the effects that the toxins will have on the muscles fibers that are controlled by the affected axons/neurons. What effect will the toxins have on the whole organism that is affected by the toxins.

Toxins can interrupt the transmission of action potentials along an axon. Examples from the animal kingdom are the toxin of the puffer fish (Tetrodotoxin or TTX), the toxins of some sea anemones, or also the toxins of marine cone snails (Conotoxins).

1.) Describe the molecular processes during an action potential, uninfluenced by any toxins, at the molecular level of opening and closing of ion channels.
2.) "Tetrodotoxin inhibits the opening of Na-channels and with that the generation of action potentials. One of the conotoxins as well as the toxins of sea anemones also influence these Na-channels. However, these toxins do not inhibit the opening of the channels but instead the closing of the Na-channels."
In the diagram below you see the changes of the membrane potential during a normal action potential, under the influence of tetrodotoxin, and under the influence of conotoxin. Assign each curve to the correct toxin, and identify the normal action potential. Explain in detail why you chose each assignment. (Translation of terms see above)

3.) Explain the effects that the toxins will have on the muscles fibers that are controlled by the affected axons/neurons. What effect will the toxins have on the whole organism that is affected by the toxins.

Added by Jeffrey O.

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