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Acetylcholine Receptor

Cobras and Curare

The acetylcholine receptor is an essential link between the brain and the muscles, so it is a sensitive location for attack. Many organisms make poisons that block the acetylcholine receptor, causing paralysis. These include a neurotoxin in cobra venom, shown here from PDB entry 1yi5. In this structure, five molecules of toxin, shown in red, are bound to a protein that is similar to the acetylcholine receptor. Other poisons that paralyze the acetylcholine receptor include curare, nicotine, and the deadly venom from cone seashells.

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Last changed by: A.Honegger, 8/4/06