Saxitoxin
Saxitoxin
Saxitoxin (pronounced: /sæk.siː.tɒk.sɪn/) is a potent neurotoxin and the best-known paralytic shellfish toxin (PST). Ingesting saxitoxin, often through shellfish contaminated by harmful algal blooms, can lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Etymology
The term "saxitoxin" originates from the genus name of the butter clam (Saxidomus) from which it was first isolated, and the Latin toxicum, meaning poison.
Structure and Function
Saxitoxin has a complex molecular structure that includes atoms of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. It functions by binding to the voltage-gated sodium channels of nerve cells, preventing normal cellular communication and leading to paralysis.
Related Terms
- Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP): A syndrome caused by ingestion of shellfish contaminated with saxitoxin and other related neurotoxins.
- Harmful algal bloom (HAB): A rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in freshwater or marine water systems. Some species of algae can produce neurotoxins such as saxitoxin.
- Neurotoxin: A toxin that is poisonous or destructive to nerve tissue.
- Voltage-gated sodium channel: A class of transmembrane proteins that allow sodium ions to pass through them, and are blocked by saxitoxin.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Saxitoxin
- Wikipedia's article - Saxitoxin
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