Hypoxia and Medicine

Question about Rotenone?

Rotenone, a natural poisonous metabolite found in derris root from tropical rain forests, is used as an insecticide (insect killer) and ichthyocide (fish killer). Its mode of action is through binding to an Electron Transport Chain molecule located within the inner mitochondrial membrane. You would correctly predict that rotenone would _________ nerve transmission (action potentials) in neurons of herbivorous insects by __________. a) decrease ; binding with post synaptic acetylcholine receptors b) increase ; increasing synthesis and release of acetylcholine from anoxia c) decrease ; decreasing production of ATP to drive the NA+-K+pump d) increase ; mimicking acetylcholine Please include your reasoning behind your answer. Thank you.

Public Comments

1. C) By interfering with the electron transport chain, energy production (in the form of ATP) would be significantly reduced. Neurons use a great amount of energy to maintain the ionic gradient that allows synaptic transmission. In he absence of ATP, the ionic pumps, primarily sodium/potassium, would not function, the ionic gradient would break down, and it would halt neuronal transmission.
2. ditto, I'm pretty sure C would be it. With no ATP well, we know what happens. bleck, no more buggy.