In the disease myasthenia gravis, the immune system attacks the receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. A drug is used to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which normally removes the neurotransmitter

This improves the condition of the patient. How does this work?


If a person with this disease has fewer receptors for acetylcholine, it would help to inhibit the breakdown of the neurotransmitter in the synapse. Increasing the concentration of the neurotransmitter in the synapse could increase the likelihood that some of the neurotransmitter will bind with the receptors.

Biology & Microbiology

You might also like to view...

Which of the following processes maintain apical dominance?

a. hormones released by the lateral buds b. sugars produced in the lateral buds c. water transported from the roots d. hormones released by the terminal bud

Biology & Microbiology

T or F: there is only one cardinal plane in the human body

What will be an ideal response?

Biology & Microbiology

An insect population that becomes resistant to a commonly used insecticide is an example of 

A. a founder effect. B. genetic drift. C. inheritance of acquired characteristics. D. disruptive selection. E. natural selection.

Biology & Microbiology

In some cultures, parts of the central nervous system (e.g., brains) of cattle are popular foods. Predict the issues that might arise from this practice

What will be an ideal response?

Biology & Microbiology