Question

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies attack acetylcholine receptors. The resulting muscle weakness is likely due to

A) increasing the amount of acetylcholinesterase in the synapse.
B) making the cells less permeable to sodium ions.
C) increasing the amount of potassium ion in the intercellular fluid.
D) making the plasma membranes more permeable to calcium ion.
E) antibodies competing with acetylcholinesterase for acetylcholine

Answer 1

The correct option is: E) antibodies competing with acetylcholinesterase for acetylcholine

Step-by-step explanation:

The neuromuscular disease, Myasthenia gravis, is an autoimmune disease characterized by generalized muscle weakness. The muscles of the face and eyes and the muscles used for swallowing are affected the most. This disease causes drooping eyelids, double vision, trouble talking and walking.

In this disorder, the antibodies destroy the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Thus, preventing the nerve impulses from triggering contractions of the muscles. The antibodies compete with the acetylcholinesterase for acetylcholine binding site, thus causing muscle weakness.