Question

Tetrodexin is produced by Fugu pufferfish, an expensive Japanese delicacy. When properly prepared, a small amount of toxin is ingested, leading to feelings of euphoria; however, up to 50 deaths occur in Japan every year through consumption of improperly prepared pufferfish. The structure of tetrodotoxin mimics a hydrated sodium ion. Death in these patients likely occurs from:

Answer 1

Death from fugu pufferfish consumption is caused by tetrodotoxin blocking sodium channels in nerves, leading to paralysis and potentially fatal respiratory failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Deaths from improperly prepared fugu pufferfish are likely due to the pufferfish's toxin, tetrodotoxin, which mimics a hydrated sodium ion. Tetrodotoxin blocks sodium channels in nerve cells, which prevents normal nerve signal transmission, leading to paralysis. This paralysis can become fatal when it affects muscles involved in breathing, resulting in respiratory failure.

Therefore, death in patients who consume improperly prepared pufferfish likely occurs from tetrodotoxin, which is produced by Fugu pufferfish. Tetrodotoxin is a neurotoxin that mimics a hydrated sodium ion. It works by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the transmission of nerve impulses. This can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure, and ultimately death.