A team of researchers at a pesticide company are working produce a new rodent poison to address a growing problem of rat infestations at an old waterfront warehouse.The researchers are developing a poison that will cause the junctions between intestinal cells to break down.The poison will be incorporated into grain and left where the rodents will feed on it.Which of the following describes the most likely effect of this poison?
A)The gap junctions will break down resulting in leaks in the digestive tract.
B)The tight junctions will break down resulting in leaks in the digestive tract.
C)The gap junctions will break down and interfere with absorption of nutrients.
D)The tight junctions will break down and interfere with absorption of nutrients.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tight junctions provide a barrier between cells that prevent leaks in the digestive tract. Therefore, if the poison causes the breakdown of tight junctions, it is likely to result in leaks in the digestive tract. Option A is incorrect because gap junctions do not provide the same barrier function as tight junctions. Options C and D are also incorrect as the breakdown of gap or tight junctions is not likely to interfere with nutrient absorption.

A Team of Researchers at a Pesticide Company Are Working