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Related Concept Videos

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants01:23

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants


Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Stimulants01:29

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic01:15

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic

Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by acetylcholine and nicotine. Upon activation, they cause a rapid increase in the permeability of cells to K+, Na+, and Ca2+, followed by depolarization and excitation. They are in the autonomic ganglia, skeletal neuromuscular junction, CNS, and adrenal medulla.
There are two types of nicotinic receptors: neuromuscular (NM/NM/N1) and neuronal (NN/NN/N2). The two families differ based on their location and selectivity to...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine01:27

CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
Longitudinal Research02:20

Longitudinal Research

Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...
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Drug Dependence

Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration
08:47

Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration

Published on: February 10, 2012

A long-standing nicotine mystery.

Eva Vandenbroucke-Menu1, Nicolas Papon2, Vincent Courdavault1

  • 1Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales (BBV), UR2106, Université de Tours, Tours, France.

Trends in Plant Science
|July 15, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Scientists discovered the five-enzyme complex (metabolon) responsible for the final steps in plant nicotine synthesis. This finding advances our understanding of plant defense compounds and offers potential for engineering insect resistance.

Keywords:
biosynthetic pathwaymetabolic engineeringmetabolonnicotineplant resistance

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Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration
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Published on: February 10, 2012

A Microcontroller Operated Device for the Generation of Liquid Extracts from Conventional Cigarette Smoke and Electronic Cigarette Aerosol
09:30

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Published on: August 25, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Plant biochemistry
  • Metabolic engineering
  • Chemical ecology

Background:

  • Nicotine, a key insecticidal compound in plants, has a complex biosynthetic pathway.
  • The specific enzymes and mechanisms catalyzing the final steps of nicotine synthesis were previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular machinery behind the final stages of nicotine biosynthesis in plants.
  • To identify the components of the metabolon involved in nicotine production.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized advanced biochemical assays and genetic analyses.
  • Investigated enzyme kinetics and protein-protein interactions within the pathway.

Main Results:

  • Identified a five-component metabolon catalyzing the final steps of nicotine biosynthesis.
  • Demonstrated the coordinated action of these enzymes in producing nicotine.

Conclusions:

  • The discovery of the nicotine metabolon provides critical insights into plant secondary metabolism.
  • This knowledge opens avenues for engineering enhanced plant resistance to insects through metabolic manipulation.