Why does the effect of nerve gas on synaptic transmission lead to prolonged muscle contraction and paralysis?

💡 Explanation

Nerve gas inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, because this allows acetylcholine to continuously stimulate muscle fibers, causing prolonged contraction and paralysis. Therefore, acetylcholinesterase inhibition explains the sustained muscle activity, rather than receptor blockade or affecting neurotransmitter reuptake, which would have opposite effects.

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