Final answer:
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum and works by inhibiting muscle contractions. Early symptoms of botulism include blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, and abdominal cramps. Tetanus toxin, produced by Clostridium tetani, causes permanent muscle contraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Botulinum toxin, also known as botox, is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is composed of a light A subunit and a heavy protein chain B subunit. The B subunit allows the toxin to enter neurons at the neuromuscular junction, while the A subunit acts as a protease, cleaving proteins involved in the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This inhibits muscle contractions, leading to muscle relaxation.
The early symptoms of botulism include blurred vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. It then progresses to flaccid paralysis and can result in respiratory failure and death. In infants, symptoms include weak cries, decreased ability to suckle, and limpness of the head or body.
Tetanus toxin, also produced by Clostridium tetani, works differently by binding to inhibitory interneurons and inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that normally inhibit acetylcholine release. This leads to permanent muscle contraction and symptoms such as lockjaw and muscle spasms.