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)Hunger
C)Stomach ache
D) Fever
Hint (it's not hunger.)
A)Lethargy
To answer this question, we need to understand the properties of the toxic compound and its effects on the body.
The compound is described as a hydrophobic weak acid. This means that it does not dissolve easily in water (hydrophobic) and has a tendency to donate protons (weak acid) when it is dissolved in a suitable solvent.
The compound is able to find its way to the inner membrane of mitochondria. Mitochondria are vital organelles responsible for energy production in cells. The compound gets protonated on the outer surface of the membrane and deprotonated on the inner surface of the membrane.
Now, let's look at the provided answer choices and see which symptom is unlikely to be caused by the described scenario:
A) Lethargy: It is possible that the toxic compound interfering with the functioning of mitochondria could lead to a decrease in energy production, resulting in lethargy. This symptom is a potential effect of the toxic compound.
B) Hunger: As mentioned in the hint, hunger is not caused by the toxic compound. There is no direct connection between the compound's properties and hunger as described in the scenario.
C) Stomach ache: If the toxic compound is ingested, it could potentially cause irritation to the stomach lining, leading to stomach ache. This symptom is a potential effect of the toxic compound.
D) Fever: Since the toxic compound affects the mitochondria, it is unlikely to directly cause fever, as fever typically results from an immune response to infection. This symptom is less likely to be caused by the toxic compound described in the given scenario.
Therefore, the answer is D) Fever, as it is the symptom that is least likely to be caused by the toxin's specific effects on the mitochondria.
In summary, based on the characteristics of the toxic compound and its effects on the inner mitochondrial membrane, we can determine that it is unlikely to cause fever.