Which is a neurotoxin?

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Multiple Choice

Which is a neurotoxin?

Explanation:
Neurotoxins are substances that damage nerve cells or disrupt how the nervous system works. Cyanide is a classic example because it blocks cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, stopping oxidative phosphorylation. With the electron transport chain halted, neurons can’t produce enough ATP to maintain ion gradients, so nerve signaling fails and cells die quickly. This direct disruption of neuronal energy production makes cyanide a potent neurotoxin. The other substances listed act more as irritants or general toxins, or as central nervous system depressants at high doses, but they don’t interfere with neuronal energy production as directly or rapidly as cyanide.

Neurotoxins are substances that damage nerve cells or disrupt how the nervous system works. Cyanide is a classic example because it blocks cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, stopping oxidative phosphorylation. With the electron transport chain halted, neurons can’t produce enough ATP to maintain ion gradients, so nerve signaling fails and cells die quickly. This direct disruption of neuronal energy production makes cyanide a potent neurotoxin. The other substances listed act more as irritants or general toxins, or as central nervous system depressants at high doses, but they don’t interfere with neuronal energy production as directly or rapidly as cyanide.

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