Botulinum toxin causes paralysis by...

Answer 1

Botulinum toxin causes paralysis by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It prevents the fusion of synaptic vesicles containing acetylcholine with the presynaptic membrane, thereby blocking acetylcholine from being released into the synaptic cleft. Without acetylcholine binding to receptors on the muscle cells, the signals needed for muscle contraction are disrupted, leading to paralysis. This mechanism makes botulinum toxin a potent neurotoxin, which is responsible for the severe symptoms of botulism, including muscle weakness and respiratory failure.