Cone snails are among the most venomous animals on the planet and their venom contains many different toxins to neutralize their prey. As a researcher, you've isolated a peptide from the venom of the Conus geographus and discovered that it binds to voltage - gated sodium channels and locks them in the 'open' state (all other channels and pumps work normally). What effect will this have on the prey and why (explain your reasoning)?

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∻Answer∻ ⚹ The prey will likely experience paralysis and potentially death. ⚹ ∻Solution∻ ‖ a ⋮ Voltage-gated sodium channels are essential for action potential initiation and propagation in neurons and muscle cells. ‖ ‖ b ⋮ Locking these channels in the 'open' state will cause a prolonged influx of sodium ions (Na⁺) into the cells. ‖ ‖ c ⋮ This sustained depolarization will prevent the neurons from repolarizing, making them unable to fire subsequent action potentials. ‖ ‖ d ⋮ Muscle cells will also be unable to repolarize, leading to continuous contraction or paralysis. ‖ ‖ e ⋮ The inability of neurons to communicate effectively and the paralysis of muscles, including those required for respiration, can be fatal for the prey. ‖ ∻Key Concept∻ ⚹ Voltage-gated sodium channels and action potential propagation ⚹ ∻Explanation∻ ⚹ The peptide from Conus geographus venom locks voltage-gated sodium channels in the 'open' state, causing sustained depolarization, which leads to paralysis and can be fatal due to the disruption of neural signaling and muscle contraction. ⚹◊What impact would the binding of the Conus geographus venom peptide to voltage-gated sodium channels have on the nervous system of the prey?⍭ Generate me a similar question◊

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