Anatoxin-a
Anatoxin-a
Anatoxin-a (pronounced: /ˌænəˈtɒksɪn ˈeɪ/), also known as Very Fast Death Factor (VFDF), is a potent neurotoxin produced by certain species of cyanobacteria. The name "anatoxin-a" is derived from the Greek words "ana" meaning "up" and "toxin" meaning "poison".
Etymology
The term "anatoxin-a" was first coined in the 1970s when it was isolated from the cyanobacterium Anabaena flos-aquae. The prefix "ana-" is derived from Greek, meaning "up" or "against", and "toxin" is derived from the Greek "toxikon", meaning "poison for arrows". The "-a" suffix denotes that it was the first such toxin isolated from Anabaena flos-aquae.
Description
Anatoxin-a is a secondary metabolite of certain cyanobacteria and is classified as an alkaloid. It is a potent neuromuscular blocking agent that can cause rapid death in exposed organisms. The toxin acts by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), causing persistent activation that leads to muscle paralysis and respiratory failure.
Related Terms
- Cyanobacteria: A phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis.
- Neurotoxin: Toxins that are poisonous or destructive to nerve tissue.
- Alkaloid: A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms.
- Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs): A type of protein that is found in the synapses of the nervous system where they help to transfer signals between nerve cells.
See Also
- Anatoxin-a(s): A chemically related compound that is also produced by cyanobacteria.
- Saxitoxin: Another potent neurotoxin produced by certain species of cyanobacteria.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anatoxin-a
- Wikipedia's article - Anatoxin-a
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