The enzyme Acetylcholinerase (AChE), responsible for hydrolysing neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh), can be inhibited by the nerve agent Sarin, leading to an overstimulation of the nervous system and eventual death via respiratory failure. The Sarin nerve gas was used as a form of bioterrorism in Japan in the mid to late 90’s. It is colourless, odourless, tasteless and can be easily converted into gas form where it can be fatal to those who inhale it. Sarin is 28 times more lethal than Mustard gas and 543 times than Chlorine gas, both which were used in World War One.
Sarin mimics ACh and convalently bonds to AChE’s Serine (Ser200). This process (phosphorylation) is done by a nucleophilic attack by Ser200’s oxygen(O) on Sarin’s phosphorous(P) atom, causing sarin’s fluorine(F) atom to depart and a P-O convalent bond to form. Antidotes eg. pralidoxime (2PAM) need to be administered within 5 hours or else AChE is ‘irreveribly’ inhibited by Sarin.
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