I Love Science
I just learned that curare is pronounced as "cure-are-ee" after thinking it was pronounced "cure-are" for 2 years. How did I not know this sooner?
26-30, F
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samueltyler2 · 80-89, M
Did you learn about where it comes from and what it is used for?
hiddenkitty · 26-30, F
It is a chemical that blocks the function of a receptor found in neurons. I do not know of the word's origins
samueltyler2 · 80-89, M
Very good, pretty close. Not the word, the substance comes from the secretions excreted by the skin of the tree frog. It blocks an enzyme that eliminates the neuro-transmitter from the space between the nerve and muscle. In so doing the muscle becomes paralyzed, because it cannot recover. Curare itself isn't really used any more clinically, but substances just like it are used in surgery every day.