Guanitoxin
Guanitoxin (pronounced: gwa-ni-tox-in) is a potent neurotoxin produced by certain species of blue-green algae, specifically those in the genus Microcystis.
Etymology
The term "Guanitoxin" is derived from the Latin guano, meaning "dung", and the Greek toxikon, meaning "poison". This is in reference to the toxin's discovery in bird droppings, and its toxic properties.
Description
Guanitoxin is a neurotoxin, a type of toxin that affects the nervous system. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that sends signals in the nervous system. This blockage can lead to a variety of symptoms, including muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases, death.
Related Terms
- Neurotoxin: A poison that acts on the nervous system.
- Microcystis: A genus of blue-green algae that produces guanitoxin.
- Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter that sends signals in the nervous system.
See Also
- Cyanobacteria: A phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis. The genus Microcystis belongs to this phylum.
- Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron.
References
- Guanitoxin: A potent neurotoxin produced by blue-green algae, Journal of Toxicology, 2005.
- The effects of guanitoxin on the nervous system, Neurotoxicology Research, 2010.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Guanitoxin
- Wikipedia's article - Guanitoxin
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