1. Sarin is a synthetic, volatile neurotoxin that can enter the body through the
ID: 3514686 • Letter: 1
Question
1. Sarin is a synthetic, volatile neurotoxin that can enter the body through the eyes, skin, lungs, and Gl tract. Early symptoms of sarin exposure include watery eyes and constricted pupils. Later, more severe symptoms include skeletal muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing. If not treated, paralysis of respiratory muscles leads to death. a) Does sarin affect effectors of the somatic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, neither, or both? Explain. (2 pts) b) Briefly describe the mechanism of action of sarin. (3 pts) c) Explain how sarin causes each: watery eyes, constricted pupils. (4 pts) d) Explain how sarin affects the movement of Nat into a skeletal muscle cell. (2 pts) e) Explain how sarin affects the concentration of Ca2+ in the cytosol of a skeletal muscle cell. (2 pts) f) In a myofibril, how would sarin affect the position of thin filaments relative to thick filaments? Explain. (2 pts) 2. Describe the changes that occur within the left ventricle throughout the course of the cardiac cycle, including changes in (a) pressure, (b) volume, (c) position of the left AV valve (bicuspid), and (d) the aortic semilunar valve. Begin at the onset diastole (relaxation period). (5 pts)Explanation / Answer
Answer 1a. Sarin attacks both on somatic nervous system as well as autonomic nervous system. Sarin is an organophosphorus agent or nerve agent. It is used in chemical war because it is highly toxic compound and affects the nervous system of the body.
Answer 1b. Sarin acts at neuromuscular junction. It blocks the acetylcholinsterase enzyme thus increasing the concentration of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junction. This increased concentration of acetylcholine causes downregulation of receptor.
Answer 1c. Sarin causes watery eyes and constricted pupils because of its organophosphorus nature. It causes blocking of autonomic nervous system.
Answer 1d. Sarin hampers the movement of sodium ion across cell membrane of skeletal muscle thus inhibit the action potential generation and further muscle contraction and relaxation. It prevent the outward movement of sodium ion from the cell membrane.
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