Toxins such as those from bacteria of the genus Clostridium can cause diseases such as botulism by destroying the proteins that anchor vesicles to the presynaptic membrane.How might this affect activity in the neuromuscular junction? A) Postsynaptic cells would receive too much neurotransmitter, as reuptake by the presynaptic membrane would be impaired. B) Voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels would be unable to open in response to an action potential. C) Neurotransmitter would not be released into the synaptic cleft. D) Graded potentials would cause fusion of the vesicles with the cell membrane. E) Entry of the neurotransmitter into the postsynaptic cell by endocytosis would be impaired.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Destruction of the proteins that anchor vesicles to the presynaptic membrane would result in impaired release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. This would decrease the activity in the neuromuscular junction as there would be reduced stimulation of the postsynaptic cell by the neurotransmitter.

Toxins Such as Those from Bacteria of the Genus Clostridium