Toxin's Role in Cell Communication

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Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are found in the post-synaptic membranes of nerve cells. They oversee neurotransmission in the central and peripheral nervous system. It is also found in the skin of poison dart frogs.

Toxin's Role in Cell Communication

C. Proper cellular communication (Correct mechanism)

At homeostasis, cells communicate through signal transduction pathways, which is when they they transfer mating factors. They can also signal each other througth long and short distance signaling.

Short distance signaling involves the discharging of molecules as a regulator in extracellular fluids.

Long distance signaling invlolves the secreting of hormones into body fluids as a medium of travel

D. Faulty or impaired mechanism

Detoxification in most animals involves the liver, utilizing redox reactions, or just plain excretion.

Toxins can affect the stability of an organism's internal environment by affecting the production and secretion of hormones and other molecules. This can lead to the deterioration of major internal organs in major cases. in minor cases, it can lead to slight impairment to senses, but this can also be temporary as soon as the immune system washes out the toxin.

Refer to Picture in Part B

F. Scientists today are experimenting with toxins by arming different proteins and microorganisms with them. One ongoing experiment is the use of a malaria protein and a toxin to potentially "cure" cancer.

http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/66/12/5989.short

Poision dart frogs secrete a toxin known as epibatidine, which binds with a neurotransmitters called nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. When the two binds, it releases ions through the post-synaptic membranes of the cells, thus depolarizing them. This then leads to the excess production of norepinephrine and dopamine.

G. Poison arrow frogs, also known as poison dart frogs, are well known for their use of toxins to disable larger predators

B. Cell communication is needed in order for an organism to grow function normally. But when toxins enter the body, these processes can be altered, hurting the body in turn.

Subtopic

E.

B. i. Ligand is a type of molecule that attaches it self to another molecule normally larger. It is used commonly in describing cell communication.

B. ii. G-Protein Receptors are commonly targeted by toxins due to the simplicity of it.

B. iii. Signal transduction is the transmission of cells from the exterior to the interior of the cell. These signals need to be transmitted into the cell to make sure that the correct response is activated.

A. Toxin: an antigenic substance produced by or derived from a microorganism that is secreted by a plant or animal to disable another organism while existent at a low concentration.

Examples of Toxins:

Hemotoxin - toxin found in some snakes and can affect red blood cells and damage tissues.

Neurotoxin - toxins that inhibit synaptic transmissions in the axon terminals.

Necrotoxin - toxins that destroys the target cells.

Cytotoxins - toxins that directly affect cells

Purpose of Toxins:

As a form of defense against predators

Harm: some organisms secrete poisons in order to disable and potentially kill other organisms

Protect: some organisms secrete poisons in order to scare away predators

Sources Cited: http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Toxins/Science-Ideas-and-Concepts/Poisons-and-toxins