Electrochemical gradients are essential for the propagation of signals down a ne

Question

Electrochemical gradients are essential for the propagation of signals down a neuron. There are certain toxins that bind to ion channels and inhibit their function. The action of one such drug is drug is depicted below. The black line represents the control treatment and the gray line represents the experimental drug treatment. Based on this figure, which ion channel (s) does the drug affect and how are the channels changed? Explain your reasoning by contrasting what is occurring to channels and the movement of ions at that particular time between the two treatments.

Explanation / Answer

Hi,

The toxin affects the K+ channel.

The above question basically about the ion channels. The graph given here depicts the classical Na+/K+ channel. The initial rise in potential when Na+ channel is open and K+ is closed. In the control and in the toxic presence, the graph goes together, indicating the toxin is not affecting the Na+ channel. When the depolarization begins after the peak, the Na+ channel closes and K+ opens. Now the graphs vary. The control is shown rapid depolarization, whereas the one with the toxin, shows slower depolarisation and does not achieve complete depolarization. This means the toxin affects the K+ channel.

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