Describe the docking and fusion of synaptic vesicles with the cell membrane. Describe the mechanisms by which tetanus toxin and botulinum toxin interfere with this process
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: When an action potential reaches a synaptic bouton, it opens calcium ion, which allows an influx of calcium ions. The calcium ions bind to synaptotagmin, causing a conformational change that promotes synaptic vesicle v-SNARE interaction with synaptic membrane t-SNARE interaction at the active zone. This causes neurotransmitter secretion by vesicle fusion or by kiss-and-run exocytosis. Both toxins inhibit the vesicle-active zone membrane fusion process by proteolytically cleaving v-SNAREs, t-SNAREs, or both. Tetanus toxin prevents the release of neurotransmitters from inhibitory neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in uncontrolled muscle contraction. Botulinum toxin prevents the release of neurotransmitters from motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis.
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