The skeletal muscle-related symptoms of sarin gas poisoning are the result of _______________.a. too much acetylcholine staying
in the neuromuscular junction for too long. b. physical blockage of the acetylcholine receptors on the muscle cell. c. inhibition of secondary active reuptake of acetylcholine into the presynaptic terminal.d. the gas molecules blocking voltage-gated sodium channels on the muscle cell.e. Two of the answers are correct.
Answer: a. too much acetylcholine staying in the neuromuscular junction for too long
Explanation:
Sarin is a gaseous organophosphate. This gas is used for chemical warfare. This affects the nervous system of the body. The gas if inhaled can cause death within minutes.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter molecule. It is released from the pre-synaptic neurons that binds to the acetylcholine receptors.
The gas sarin will target the enzyme acetylcholinesterase present in the neuromuscular junction of the body where the nerves actually meet the muscles. The enzyme degrades nerve signaling molecule acetylcholine. Thus when the sarin degrades the enzyme the levels of acetylcholine will rise up in the blood. The acetylcholine remain in the neuromuscular junction. The acetylcholine will stimulate the nerve cell receptors. Excess of acetylcholine will cause excessive twitching and may lead to paralysis.
