Simulation: Neuron and Synapse

Curare is a collective term for several arrow poisons from South America. Traditionally, it was obtained from vines and bark, for example from Chondrodendron species, and used by Indigenous groups for hunting arrows. In medical history, curare later became important because similar substances served as models for modern muscle relaxants.

Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The bacterium can multiply especially in low-oxygen environments. Today, the substance is best known from medicine and aesthetic treatment, where it is used in highly diluted form under controlled conditions.

Sarin belongs to the organophosphates. The substance was developed in Germany in the 1930s in connection with research on pesticides. Today, sarin is mainly known as a banned chemical warfare agent and is prohibited by international agreements.

Nicotine is a natural alkaloid from the tobacco plant. In the plant, it serves as feeding protection against pests. Historically, nicotine was also used as an insecticide. Today, the substance is best known from tobacco products and nicotine replacement products.

α-Latrotoxin is a component of black widow spider venom. This spider species uses it to immobilize prey. In biological research, the substance is interesting because it has long been used to study basic processes at chemical synapses in more detail.

Conotoxins come from the venom of certain cone snails, which use them to overpower fish or other prey. They are a large group of substances with many variants. Some conotoxins have also become important in drug research; one derived active substance is used in pain therapy.