The pufferfish produces a deadly poison known as tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin blocks the voltage-gated sodium ion channels, preventing sodium ions from entering the sarcolemma. If you consumed pufferfish that was not prepared correctly, in turn digesting tetrodotoxin, what effect would it have on your muscle fibers?

(a) - The poison would prevent action potentials from occurring along the sarcolemma.

(b) - The poison would cause action potentials to occur at a much faster rate along the sarcolemma.

(c) - The poison does not have any effect on humans.

(d) - The poison would prevent the motor-end plate potential from occurring at the neuromuscular junction.

Question

Camryn Cain

Biology

26 November, 23:20

The pufferfish produces a deadly poison known as tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin blocks the voltage-gated sodium ion channels, preventing sodium ions from entering the sarcolemma. If you consumed pufferfish that was not prepared correctly, in turn digesting tetrodotoxin, what effect would it have on your muscle fibers?

(a) - The poison would prevent action potentials from occurring along the sarcolemma.

(b) - The poison would cause action potentials to occur at a much faster rate along the sarcolemma.

(c) - The poison does not have any effect on humans.

(d) - The poison would prevent the motor-end plate potential from occurring at the neuromuscular junction.

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Answers (1)

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Kyle Kim · Answer 1

(d) - The poison would prevent the motor-end plate potential from occurring at the neuromuscular junction.

Explanation:

Tetrodotoxin is a potent neurotoxin found in puffer fish that is able to block specific sodium ion (Na⁺) transmission channels in excitable cells, reducing the action potentials of cell membranes at neuromuscular junctions.

This substance cause cell depolarization, and acetylcholine degradation, factor responsible for muscle contraction, being this toxin capable of causing even death by paralysis of the respiratory muscles.