Melissa Robinson
March 26, 2015
A. DNA Replication
B. Ligase in DNA replication
C1. C2. C3.mRNA in Transcription
C4. mRNA in translation
D. Role of RNA Polymerase Inhibition and death cap mushrooms
Amanita phalloides, class of fungi of which death cap mushrooms belong, are considered to be one of the most deadly forms of mushroom poisoning from human consumption. The toxins, a-amanitins are hepatotoxic, meaning the toxins affect the liver, and is almost always fatal without extreme medical intervention.
The toxins of A. phalloides target RNA polymerase II by inhibiting its ability to produce new mRNA. Without mRNA translation cannot occur as the template used to synthesize new proteins would be absent, cell metabolism would not occur and would eventually result in cell death also known as necrosis.
After a short asymptomatic lag period, initial symptoms of death cap poisoning resemble nothing more than the common stomach virus. As the liver attempts to metabolize the toxins, signs and symptoms of acute liver failure develop as liver cells begin to die and cease to function causing the patient to become critically ill. According to the International Journal of Heapatology (2012), the mortality rate is approximately 90% and currently the only known treatment to prevent death is liver transplantation.
References
Conodon.com. (n.d.). Biotech Cell Overview [website]. Image Retrieved on March 25, 2015 from http://www.conodom.com/Biotech.cells.html
International Journal of Hepatology. (2012). Acute liver failure caused by Amanita phalloides Poisoning. Retrieved on March 25, 2015 from http://www.hindawl.com/Journals/ijh/2012/487480.
Penn State. (2009). Image retrieved on March 26, 2015 from https://wikispaces..psu.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageid=112527054&navigatingversions=true
Wolfe, G. (2000). Transcription and Translation. Retrieved from
References: Conodon.com. (n.d.). Biotech Cell Overview [website]. Image Retrieved on March 25, 2015 from http://www.conodom.com/Biotech.cells.html International Journal of Hepatology. (2012). Acute liver failure caused by Amanita phalloides Poisoning. Retrieved on March 25, 2015 from http://www.hindawl.com/Journals/ijh/2012/487480. Penn State. (2009). Image retrieved on March 26, 2015 from https://wikispaces..psu.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageid=112527054&navigatingversions=true Wolfe, G. (2000). Transcription and Translation. Retrieved from www.wgu.thinkwell.com/Students/getResources.cfm?levelFourID=5869863&levelThreeID=1820649&levelTwoID=350669&mode=browse