Why are certain poisons called protoplasmic poisons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the classification of certain poisons as protoplasmic poisons and their mechanisms of action on cells. Participants explore the generality of the term and its implications for cellular effects, with references to specific examples like cyanide.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that "protoplasmic" refers to a general action at the cellular level, encompassing both cytoplasm and nucleus.
  • Others propose that non-protoplasmic poisons may have more specialized effects, potentially targeting specific tissues or organ systems.
  • A participant mentions cyanide as an example of a protoplasmic poison, describing its mechanism of inhibiting ATP production by binding to cytochrome C oxidase in mitochondria.
  • It is noted that the term "protoplasmic poison" predates modern understanding of cellular organelles and their functions.
  • There is a suggestion that protoplasmic poisons affect any type of cell, contrasting with poisons that target specific tissues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the term "protoplasmic poison," with no consensus on its precise definition or the implications of its use. Multiple competing views remain regarding the specificity of different poisons.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the understanding of the term "protoplasmic poison," including its historical context and the evolving knowledge of cellular biology. There are unresolved questions about the definitions and classifications of different types of poisons.

mickeymouse
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Why are certain poisons called protoplasmic poisons? What excatly is their action on the cell?
 
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I don't know, good question. I think it is just a very general term that it does something at a general cellular level, protoplasmic is a term for the content of a cell: it's cytoplasm and nucleus.

Maybe poisons that are not protoplasmic have a more specialized mode of action, only on the neurons for instance.. but I really don't know for sure.
 
I have seen it used to mean the effects on a tissue of something like the CN ion cyanide. It blocks the basic energy production and/or transport system in a living cell - in the case of cyanide, binding cyctochrome C oxidase in mitochondrial membranes which inhibits ATP production.

In other words, it's a really old term for a toxin that acts inside the cell, as Monique said. This term predates knowledge of how those little "organelles" inside a cell did their jobs. The idea is that any cell is susceptible.

Other poisons were thought to act on one particular tissue or organ system, rather than any type of cell.
 
Thank you Jim mcnamara & Monique
 

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