In the A-team movie, Hannibal Smith smokes some tetrodotoxin, which simulates de
ID: 3473625 • Letter: I
Question
In the A-team movie, Hannibal Smith smokes some tetrodotoxin, which simulates death. Google this toxin and find out what it does. What would the recording trace of an action potential ?
Flatline at the resting potential
Inverted action potential
Prolonged peak at about 30 mV
Hyperpolarization of the membrane to the equilibrium potential of potassium
No change, tetrodotoxin is another example of Hollywood bullshit
a.Flatline at the resting potential
b.Inverted action potential
c.Prolonged peak at about 30 mV
d.Hyperpolarization of the membrane to the equilibrium potential of potassium
e.No change, tetrodotoxin is another example of Hollywood bullshit
Explanation / Answer
The mechanism of action of tetrodotoxin is sodium channel blackage. So it binds to the voltage gated sodium channels in the muscle or nerve, thus inhibiting the entry of sodium inside the cell. As sodium is responsible for starting of an action potential, no entry of sodium results in no generation of action potential. So the correct answer is a. Flatline at the resting potential.