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Cone Snail Toxins and Paralysis

Topic

  • Cell Biology
  • Cell Communication
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Nervous & Endocrine Systems
  • Skin & Musculoskeletal System

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Animations

Level

High School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:03:28
Saved By
6 Users
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Description

This animation shows how cone snail toxins cause paralysis by blocking signal transmission at the synapse between neuron and muscle.

Predatory cone snails use venom to paralyze their prey, such as fish. This animation illustrates how multiple toxins in the venom work together to induce paralysis. Many of the toxins block channel proteins at motor neuron synapses, including calcium channels, sodium channels, and acetylcholine-activated receptor channels. The combined actions of the toxins prevent electrical signals from the nerves from being transmitted to the muscles.

This animation is a clip from a 2009 Holiday Lecture Series, Exploring Biodiversity: The Search for New Medicines. Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss different structures or components.

Key Terms

fish, ion channel, motor cabal, muscle, neuroscience, neurotransmitter, synapse, venom

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 02.04.09

Materials

Large (MOV) 26 MB
Large (WMV) 26 MB
Small (MOV) 16 MB
Small (WMV) 16 MB
Transcript (PDF) 13 KB

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