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FUN FACTS
ABOUT
NEUROTOXINS
GOLDEN POISON FROG
Most lethal venom of any animal; opens neuron’s Na+
(sodium) channels so cell membrane is no longer polarized
and can no longer transmit action potentials, while muscles
are caused to contract permanently and irreversibly
BLUE-RINGED OCTOPUS
Golf-ball sized but carries enough venom to kill
over 20 adults in minutes, by blocking Na+
(sodium) channels from passing sodium,
causing paralysis and eventual asphyxiation
FUGU (PUFFERFISH)
Blocks Na+ (sodium) channels with same toxin as blueringed octopus, causing paralysis and eventual
asphyxiation; eaten as a dangerous delicacy in Japanese
sashimi, resulting in occasional deaths
BLACK WIDOW
Venom causes all acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter to
be drained out of neurons till no more is available,
resulting in severe muscle spasm due to constant
contraction signal; rarely fatal to adult humans due to
small amount injected
CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM
Bacterium that produces toxin blocking release of ACh into synapse,
known as “botulism”; found in poorly home-canned/jarred
vegetables, also used in tiny amounts by cosmetic surgeons to
temporarily paralyze frown muscles (“Botox”)
CURARE
Plant extract used to poison dart tips by South
American indigenous peoples; blocks ACh receptors
on post-synaptic neuron or muscle, causing paralysis
March 20, 1995: Aum Shinrikyo cult
releases sarin in Tokyo subway,
killing 12, injuring 50, sending
thousands to hospital
SARIN (NERVE GAS)
Inhibits acetylcholinesterase so ACh isn’t broken down
after release and continues transmitting nervous signals to
muscles, causing spasms and eventual death by
asphyxiation