Purchase Solution

Ciguatera Toxin vs. PSP Toxin

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Summarize and compare the vectors involved and the mechanism of action on a cellular level of ciguatera toxin and PSP toxin.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The vectors that carry the ciguatera toxin are the dinoflagellates; the herbivorous fishes that consume the dinoflagellate-containing algae and coral reefs; and the carnivorous fishes such as the barracuda, grouper, and snapper that consume the herbivorous (1,2,3). The cellular mechanism of action of the ciguatera toxin is that it is a "lipid soluble substance" that opens the voltage gated Na+ channels on the cell membranes (1,2,3). In contrast, paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is caused by a different type of dinoflagellate in the genus called Alexandrium, which occur in the "tropical and moderate climate zone" (5). These dinoflagellates have red-brown color, and can grow in mass numbers to form "red tides." (2)

Solution Preview

The vectors that carry the ciguatera toxin are the dinoflagellates; the herbivorous fishes that consume the dinoflagellate-containing algae and coral reefs; and the carnivorous fishes such as the barracuda, grouper, and snapper that consume the herbivorous (1,2,3). The cellular mechanism of action of the ciguatera toxin is that it is a "lipid soluble substance" that opens the voltage gated Na+ channels on the cell membranes (1,2,3). The opening of the voltage gated Na+ channels causes the influx of Na+ into the cell causing a change from the resting membrane potential to a more depolarized state (1, 3). In other words, the membrane potential changes from negative resting ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
The Heart

This quiz test the understanding of the heart and some of its parts. It is important to understand how the heart functions and what makes it function.

Hemophilia: Fact or Fiction

Do you know the truth about hemophilia? Test your knowledge here.

Bacterial Genetics

This quiz test your knowledge of the genetics of bacteria.

Breast Milk and Breastfeeding

How much do you know about breast milk and breastfeeding? Double check your knowledge level with this quiz!

Identifying Variables in Science Experiments, Part 2

Using sample experiments, test yourself to see if you can identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables. Identifying variables is key in understanding and developing experiments. The questions are biology related, but this can be applied to any area of science.