Essential Cell Biology, 4th Edition

Published by Garland Science
ISBN 10: 0815344546
ISBN 13: 978-0-81534-454-4

Chapter 12 - Transport Across Cell Membranes - Questions - Page 411: Question 12-7

Answer

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Work Step by Step

Neuromuscular junctions, specialized synapses where motor neurons transmit nerve impulses to muscles, are affected by myasthenia gravis in their ability to operate. Acetylcholine receptors on the plasma membrane of muscle cells are specifically rendered inactive by the illness. The neurotransmitter that is produced by motor neurons and binds to these receptors to cause muscle contraction is acetylcholine. The antibodies block the acetylcholine from binding by inactivating the receptors, which causes muscular weakening and eventually paralysis. The process by which a motor neuron transmits a nerve impulse to a muscle cell at the neuromuscular junction is hence the part of muscle function that is impacted by myasthenia gravis.
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