2 The drug Botox is made from the toxin of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum a

Question

2 The drug Botox is made from the toxin of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and is injected subdermally to minimize fine lines and creases in the face. The toxin prevents motor neurons from releasing acetylcholine. What effect would this have on muscle contraction? Why? What could happen if this toxin were absorbed systemically? 3 Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptor on the motor end plate. What symptoms would you expect with this disease? Explain.

Explanation / Answer

The toxin severly cripples the ability of the muscles to contract, as it blocks the functioning of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. While blocking the movement of a few unnecessary muscles in the skin prevents the skin from getting loose, it also cripples the functionality of any other muscles it can get to. This toxin will be fatal if it were administered systematically.

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