Onchidal is a naturally occurring neurotoxin produced as a defensive secretion by the mollusc '' Onchidella binneyi'' and several other related species in '' Onchidella'', a genus of small, air-breathing sea slugs. It acts as an irreversible

acetylcholinesterase inhibitor Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) also often called cholinesterase inhibitors, inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase from breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetate, thereby increasing both the level and ...

, the same mechanism of action as that of the deadly

nerve agent Nerve agents, sometimes also called nerve gases, are a class of organic chemicals that disrupt the mechanisms by which nerves transfer messages to organs. The disruption is caused by the blocking of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that ...

s, however onchidal is not an

organophosphorus Organophosphorus compounds are organic compounds containing phosphorus. They are used primarily in pest control as an alternative to chlorinated hydrocarbons that persist in the environment. Some organophosphorus compounds are highly effective in ...

or carbamate compound and bears little resemblance to other compounds of this nature.

References

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Invertebrate toxins Aldehydes Alkene derivatives Sesquiterpenes Acetate esters {{pharmacology-stub