Label acetylcholine. Color the sites of action of botulism toxin on a nerve cell. <IMAGE.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of a nerve cell, focusing on the synaptic terminal where neurotransmitters are released.
2. Locate acetylcholine within the synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic terminal. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in transmitting signals across the synaptic cleft.
3. Understand that botulism toxin affects the release of acetylcholine by targeting specific proteins involved in vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane.
4. Color or highlight the proteins targeted by botulism toxin, such as SNAP-25, synaptobrevin, and syntaxin, which are part of the SNARE complex responsible for vesicle docking and fusion.
5. Illustrate the effect of botulism toxin by showing how it prevents the release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft, thereby inhibiting nerve signal transmission.

Key Concepts

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in transmitting signals between nerve cells and muscles. It is released from the presynaptic terminal of a neuron and binds to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, facilitating muscle contraction and various other functions in the nervous system.

Botulism Toxin

Botulism toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is one of the most potent neurotoxins known. It inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle paralysis. Understanding its action is essential for recognizing how it disrupts normal nerve signaling.

Neuromuscular Junction

The neuromuscular junction is the synapse or connection point between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. It is where acetylcholine is released to initiate muscle contraction. The structure and function of this junction are critical for understanding how signals are transmitted from nerves to muscles and how toxins like botulism affect this process.