Saxitoxin (STX)is the Most Well- Known Paralytic Shellfish Toxin Caused

Multiple Choice

Saxitoxin (STX) is the most well- known paralytic shellfish toxin caused by the phenomenon known as "red tide." Which statement below best describes why this neurotoxin causes paralysis?

A) It prevents the synaptic vesicles from migrating to the axon terminal; therefore, no action potentials are generated.
B) It acts by blocking voltage- gated sodium channels which are needed to generate an action potential.
C) It acts on the potassium channels within a neuron, hyperpolarizing the cell membrane; therefore, no action potential can be generated.
D) It acts on the hypothalamus of the brain, shutting down all neurological functions.
E) It blocks ligand- gated channels on the postsynaptic membrane, which blocks signals leaving the central nervous system.