BETA BUNGAROTOXIN Meaning and
Definition
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Beta bungarotoxin is a potent neurotoxic peptide commonly found in the venom of snakes belonging to the Bungarus genus, particularly Bungarus multicinctus, also known as the Many-banded krait. This toxin is classified as a postsynaptic neurotoxin and acts by irreversibly binding to and inhibiting the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) located at neuromuscular junctions.
Beta bungarotoxin consists of several isoforms, including β-Bungarotoxin, also referred to as β-Btx. It is a small protein composed of approximately 73-74 amino acids with a molecular weight of around 8 kDa. It is highly toxic to humans and other animals, affecting the nervous system by disrupting the normal transmission of signals between nerve cells.
Upon binding to nAChRs, beta bungarotoxin prevents the influx of calcium ions into the neuron, thereby impeding the release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. This blockade of ion channels ultimately leads to paralysis and muscle weakness. The effects of beta bungarotoxin can be lethal if left untreated, as it can result in respiratory failure due to the paralysis of respiratory muscles.
Despite its potential harm, beta bungarotoxin also finds utility in scientific research. It is a valuable tool for studying the structure and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which play a vital role in neurotransmission. By selectively binding to these receptors, beta bungarotoxin aids in the isolation and identification of nAChRs, contributing to advances in neuropharmacology and the development of new therapeutic drugs targeting these receptors.
Common Misspellings for BETA BUNGAROTOXIN
- veta bungarotoxin
- neta bungarotoxin
- heta bungarotoxin
- geta bungarotoxin
- bwta bungarotoxin
- bsta bungarotoxin
- bdta bungarotoxin
- brta bungarotoxin
- b4ta bungarotoxin
- b3ta bungarotoxin
- bera bungarotoxin
- befa bungarotoxin
- bega bungarotoxin
- beya bungarotoxin
- be6a bungarotoxin
- be5a bungarotoxin
- betz bungarotoxin
- bets bungarotoxin
- betw bungarotoxin
- betq bungarotoxin
Etymology of BETA BUNGAROTOXIN
The word "beta Bungarotoxin" is derived from Greek and has a scientific naming convention.
"Beta" refers to the Greek letter β (beta), which is used to denote the second position in a series or system. In scientific terminology, beta is often used to differentiate between different isoforms or variants of a compound or protein.
"Bungarotoxin" comes from the scientific name of the snake called Bungarus, specifically the species Bungarus multicinctus, commonly known as the many-banded krait. This snake produces a potent neurotoxin that affects the nervous system by blocking the action of acetylcholine receptors in muscle cells, leading to paralysis and potentially death.
So, "beta Bungarotoxin" refers to a specific variant or isoform of the toxin that specifically targets acetylcholine receptors.
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