A toxin from a poisonous mushroom has been identified as a hydrophobic weak acid. It somehow can find its way to the inner membrane of mitochondria where it gets protonated on the outer surface of the membrane but deprotonated on the inner surface of the membrane. It would cause the following symptoms except:
A)Lethargy
B)Stomach ache
C) Fever
Anyone know this? lol
The answer is C) Fever.
The hydrophobic weak acid can penetrate through the lipid bilayer of the mitochondrial membrane due to its hydrophobic nature. Once inside, it can get protonated on the outer surface of the membrane where the pH is relatively acidic. However, as it crosses to the inner surface of the membrane, where the pH is relatively basic, it undergoes deprotonation.
The protonated form of the toxin is able to disrupt the electron transport chain, leading to impaired ATP production. This can result in lethargy, as the body's energy levels are compromised. Additionally, the disrupted mitochondrial function can lead to oxidative stress and cellular damage, which may manifest as a stomach ache.
However, the toxin's mechanism of action does not directly cause a fever. Fever is typically a response of the immune system to an infection or inflammation, and it is not a typical symptom of mitochondrial toxin poisoning.
To determine which symptom would not be caused by the toxin, we need to understand its mechanism of action. Given that the toxin is a hydrophobic weak acid, it can specifically affect the inner membrane of mitochondria.
The inner membrane of mitochondria is impermeable to charged species, such as ions. This selective permeability is due to the presence of transport proteins that help maintain a charge balance between the inner and outer surfaces of the membrane.
In the case of the toxin, it becomes protonated on the outer surface of the membrane and deprotonated on the inner surface. This means that the toxin enters the mitochondria with a positive charge and loses it once inside.
Now, let's look at the given symptoms:
A) Lethargy: The toxin's impact on the mitochondria can disrupt its normal functioning, leading to energy depletion, which can cause lethargy.
B) Stomach ache: Since the toxin is a hydrophobic weak acid, it may cause irritation and inflammation when ingested, resulting in a stomach ache.
C) Fever: It is not mentioned how the toxin's action affects the body's immune system or the physiological pathways associated with fever. Therefore, fever is the symptom that would likely NOT be caused by the toxin.
In conclusion, the correct answer is C) Fever