Some native peoples of South America use the drug curare to poison the tips of their hunting arrows. When an animal is struck by the arrow it goes limp and quickly suffocates. Why?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Curare is a neurotoxin that blocks the acetylcholine receptor sites on muscle cells, preventing muscle contraction. Without muscle movement, including the diaphragm for breathing, the animal quickly suffocates. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters involved in mood and motivation, and endorphins are involved in pain regulation, but none of them are directly involved in muscle contraction.

Some Native Peoples of South America Use the Drug Curare