Poisonous Challenges (toxins too!!) Flashcards
what is a poison/toxin?
any substance that disturbs homeostasis
what are 3 entry points for poisons and what is an initial response to their consumption?
- ingestion via oral cavity -> vomiting, diarrhoea
- absorption via skin -> swelling
- inhalation via oral and nasal cavity -> sneezing, coughing
what does toxicity level depend on?
dose and duration of exposure
how long does an organism have to be exposed to a poison for it to be described as an acute effect?
less than one week
how long does an organism have to be exposed to a poison for it to be described as a chronic exosure?
more than 3 months
what are the origins of zootoxins?
animals
what are the origins of phytotoxins?
plants
what are the origins of endo-/exotoxins?
microbes
what are the origins of mycotoxin?
fungi
what is the rate of exposure of toxins determined by?
route of exposure
what are poisonous principles?
compounds that make plants poisonous
how many compounds are there in alkaloids?
4000
how do animals detoxify alkaloids?
through their liver prior to excretion
what is the alkaloid morphine used as?
Analgesia (pain relief)
what are the 4 classifications of glycosides?
cyanogenic, goitrogenic, cardiac, saponins
what happens if cyanogenic glycosides are consumed?
cyanide (CN) is converted to hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in an enzyme, this disrupts the body’s ability to use oxgen
how do goitrogenic glycosides affect the body?
affects thyroid activity
what trait prevents consumption of goitrogenic glycosides?
pungent flavour
what effect do cardiac glycosides have on the body?
reduce heart rate
what effect do saponin glycosides have on the body?
haemolyse red blood cells
how does the consumption of nitrates affect the body?
nitrates converted to toxic nitrites, these form methaemoglobin, this causes poor O2 transport
how do oxalates deplete Ca from the body?
the form insoluble calcium salts
what are possible ways that pesticides can affect metabolism?
- neurotoxins
- anticoagulants (stop blood clots)
- gastrointestinal distress and dehydration
- hepatic (liver) stress and liver failure
- disruption of cellular ionic gradient
what happens to excess minerals?
accumulate in liver, which can cause failure of the liver
what is the alkaloid quinidine used for?
Cardiac depressant
What is the alkaloid lobeline used for?
Respiratory stimulant
What is the alkaloid tubocurarine used for?
Muscle relaxant
What is the alkaloid ergometrine used for?
vasoconstriction
