Tetrodotoxin

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Tetrodotoxin

Tetrodotoxin (pronounced: te-truh-doh-tox-in), also known as TTX, is a potent neurotoxin. Its name derives from Tetraodontiformes, an order that includes pufferfish, porcupinefish, ocean sunfish, and triggerfish; several of these species carry the toxin.

Etymology

The term "Tetrodotoxin" comes from the Greek words "tetra-" (four) and "odont-" (tooth), referring to the four large teeth of the pufferfish, a species known to contain the toxin. The suffix "-toxin" is derived from the Greek "toxikon," meaning "poison for arrows."

Description

Tetrodotoxin is a neurotoxin that is found in certain species of marine life such as the pufferfish, blue-ringed octopus, and some species of newts and frogs. It is a sodium channel blocker that inhibits the firing of action potentials in neurons and ultimately leads to paralysis and death.

Related Terms

  • Neurotoxin: A type of poison that affects the nervous system.
  • Pufferfish: A type of fish that carries tetrodotoxin.
  • Blue-ringed octopus: A species of octopus that carries tetrodotoxin.
  • Action potential: An electrical signal that is conducted along a neuron's axon to a synapse.
  • Sodium channel blocker: A type of drug that inhibits the movement of sodium ions through the sodium channels.

See Also

External links

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