The graph shows a tracing of membrane potential change during the course of an action potential in a typical neuron. Predict the effect of exposure to the following neurotoxins. Briefly explain how you would expect the action potential to change in the presence of each toxin and why. A toxin produced by puffer fish which specifically binds to voltage-gated sodium channels and blocks the flow of sodium ions through the channel.  A toxin found in scoprion venom which slows the closure of voltage-gated sodium channel inactivation gates.  Assume that the cell is normally brought to threshold by an electrical stimulus applied to it, so that any change is due only to the presence of the toxin Precise values for voltage and duration are not important, just a general trend in how the action potential may differ from the typical trace shown is expected.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
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ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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The graph shows a tracing of membrane potential change during the course of an action potential in a typical neuron. Predict the effect of exposure to the following neurotoxins. Briefly explain how you would expect the action potential to change in the presence of each toxin and why.

    1. A toxin produced by puffer fish which specifically binds to voltage-gated sodium channels and blocks the flow of sodium ions through the channel. 
    2. A toxin found in scoprion venom which slows the closure of voltage-gated sodium channel inactivation gates. 
  • Assume that the cell is normally brought to threshold by an electrical stimulus applied to it, so that any change is due only to the presence of the toxin
  • Precise values for voltage and duration are not important, just a general trend in how the action potential may differ from the typical trace shown is expected.

 

+25
-25
-50
-75
time (msec)
membrane potential (mV)
Transcribed Image Text:+25 -25 -50 -75 time (msec) membrane potential (mV)
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