Reference no: EM133510187

Neurotransmitters (NTs) are chemicals that cross the synapse and cause a response in the following nerve or muscle. Based upon your understanding of this process, speculate what would happen in the following situations. List the parts of the nerve or muscle effected and how it would produce the outcomes.

1. A person becomes infected with botulinum toxin. This toxin is produced by Botulism bacteria and blocks excitatory neurotransmitters from being released from nerves to muscles. What would happen to someone who was exposed to botulinum? Why?

2. The poison-dart frog of the Amazon secretes a chemical called curare from its skin. This chemical blocks receptors, on muscles of its predator, that receive excitatory neurotransmitters. How would this chemical work to help protect the frog?

3. Nerve gasses (such as Sarin) are synthetic forms of curare that can be absorbed through the skin. How can nerve gas kill you?

4. Tetanus is a disease that causes the body to stiffen, hence the common name of "lockjaw." How could tetanus cause the body's muscles to contract and stay contracted?

5. Suppose that a neuron is receiving an EPSP signal from one pre-synaptic neuron and an IPSP signal from another pre-synaptic neuron. How will the post-synaptic neuron respond? Why?