A toxin released by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum causes the food-borne illness known as botulism, which inhibits the release of ACh at the neuromuscular junction. What effect does this have on a person infected with the bacterium?
A) It causes flaccid paralysis, and if it affects the respiratory muscles, can result in death.
B) It disrupts the balance between ACh and acetylcholinesterase, leading to spastic contractions.
C) The brain compensates by producing more ACh, limiting the illness to only a few hours.
D) The jaws are most affected, and it results in "lockjaw."
E) Problems only result when the individual has low immunity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The toxin from Clostridium botulinum prevents the release of acetylcholine (ACh) at the neuromuscular junction, leading to flaccid paralysis. If the respiratory muscles are affected, it can be fatal.

A Toxin Released by the Anaerobic Bacterium Clostridium Botulinum Causes