Puffer fish can be toxic to eat because they contain tetrodotoxin, a poison that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. If you consumed this toxin, what effect would this have on motor neurons?

Question

Hadassah Eaton

Biology

14 May, 02:32

Puffer fish can be toxic to eat because they contain tetrodotoxin, a poison that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. If you consumed this toxin, what effect would this have on motor neurons?

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Answers (1)

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Butler · Answer 1

It would block the generation of action potential in the motor neurons

Explanation:

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a toxic compound found in the Pufferfish which could affect the neuronal signalling in the humans.

The tetrodotoxin binds to the sodium channels present in the motor neurons in the soma region of the neuron where the binding of the tetrodotoxin to the sodium channels inhibits the inward flow of the sodium ions. The reduction in the influx of sodium ions does not change the depolarization of the cell membrane and hence action potential is not generated in the motor neuron.

Thus, It would block the generation of the action potential in the motor neurons is the correct answer.