Tetrodotoxin is a wellknown highly potent neurotoxin that bl

Tetrodotoxin is a well-known highly potent neurotoxin that blocks the function of voltage gated sodium channels. a) Describe two possible binding interactions of the molecule with the target given the structure. Despite tetrodotoxin being a potent neurotoxin, victims are fully conscious during poisoning. Explain this phenomenon using a molecular argument.

Solution

Tetrodotoxin prevents the generation of action potential in the nerves. They bind with voltage-gated sodium channels in the membrane of the nerve cells and prevent the passage of sodium ions which is essential for creation of action potential across the cellular membranes of the nerves.

the tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channel (TTX-s Na⁺ channel) is mostly present in the central nervous system which disrupts the neural activity even though the person is conscious.