The nerve gas, sarin, was used during World War II as chemical warfare. Sarin inhibits the effects of acetylcholinesterase at the synapse. Predict how sarin will affect excitation

What will be an ideal response?


Acetylcholinesterase promotes muscle relaxation by degrading acetylcholine that remains in the synaptic cleft. Acetylcholinesterase breaks down the acetylcholine into substances that can no longer stimulate the muscle. Without adequate acetylcholinesterase available to perform this job, acetylcholine will continue to excite the muscle cell by binding to ligand-gated sodium ion channels in the motor end plate. Ion channels will open and the entry of sodium ions into the muscle cell will create a local depolarization. Muscles will be unable to relax if acetylcholine is continually present in the synaptic cleft without the degrading effects of acetylcholinesterase.

Anatomy & Physiology

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