Botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin is a protein which can cause Botulism. The toxin is produced by bacteria in badly tinned foods. The toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft because it inhibitsexocytosis.[1] This means themuscles are forced to be relaxed and can lead to paralysis which can in turn lead to death. Botulinum toxin, however, is the active ingredient used in botox.
References
- ↑ Clark D., Madigan M., Martinko J., Stahl D. (2012) Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 13th edition, San Francisco: Pearson Education (pages 883 and 884)
- ↑ Clark D., Madigan M., Martinko J., Stahl D. (2012) Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 13th edition, San Francisco: Pearson Education (pages 883 and 884)