12) The toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridiumbotulinum is a potent neurotoxin. When
used in high doses, the toxin causes death through paralysis. Whenused in high doses,
the toxin causes death through paralysis. However at low doses thetoxin can be used for
cosmetic purposes or to treat overactive muscles. Botulinum toxin(BTX) prevents
neurons from being able to activate muscle contractions. BTXaccomplishes this through
proteolytic activity (by degrading specific proteins). (6points)
- One explanation is that BTX prevents the budding ofneurotransmitter containing
vesicles from the Golgi apparatus. If this explanation is correct,what class of proteins
would BTX most likely target for degradation? Brieflyexplain.
- Another explanation is that BTX prevents the fusion ofneurotransmitter containing
vesicles with the plasma membrane. If this explanation is correct,what class of proteins
would BTX most likely target for degradation. Brieflyexplain.
- In the presence of BTX, the membrane protein is found inintracellular vesicles,
however none is seen on the plasma membrane. Which explanation, aor b, does this
data support?
