Researchers injected bark scorpion venom in mouse neurons (both a common house mouse and the southern grasshopper mouse)and measured the flow of sodium ions across the cell membrane.Their data are shown below. Based on these data,what effect do you think the venom is having on the grasshopper mouse?
A)The venom is blocking voltage-gated sodium channels.
B)The venom is blocking voltage-gated potassium channels.
C)The venom is opening voltage-gated sodium channels.
D)The venom is opening voltage-gated potassium channels.

Question

Researchers injected bark scorpion venom in mouse neurons (both a common house mouse and the southern grasshopper mouse)and measured the flow of sodium ions across the cell membrane.Their data are shown below.  Based on these data,what effect do you think the venom is having on the grasshopper mouse?
A)The venom is blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. 
B)The venom is blocking voltage-gated potassium channels. 
C)The venom is opening voltage-gated sodium channels. 
D)The venom is opening voltage-gated potassium channels.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data shows that the flow of sodium ions is decreasing in the presence of the venom, which indicates that the venom is blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. This would result in decreased neuronal activity and potentially contribute to the paralysis seen in prey of the bark scorpion.

Researchers Injected Bark Scorpion Venom in Mouse Neurons (Both a Common