Use the Following Information When Answering the Corresponding Questions)

question 24

Multiple Choice

Use the following information when answering the corresponding questions) .
"Marine cone snails from the genus Conus are estimated to consist of up to 700 species. These predatory molluscs have devised an efficient venom apparatus that allows them to successfully capture polychaete worms, other molluscs or, in some cases, fish as their primary food sources. … conotoxins from Australian species of Conus … have the capacity to inhibit specifically the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in higher animals." B. G. Livett, K. R. Gayler, and Z. Khalil. 2004. Drugs from the sea: Conopeptides as potential therapeutics. Current Medicinal Chemistry 11:1715-23.)
-What effect would this conotoxin have on the prey?

• A) It would cause muscle spasms in the prey.
• B) It would result in paralysis of the skeletal muscle.
• C) It would stimulate digestive tract smooth muscle to cause nausea and vomiting.
• D) Either B or C, or both B and C.