Answer:
Becky’s doctor provided only supportive care because the toxin that poisoned her, the demoic acid, has no known antidotes; which happen to be the only cure for toxins.
Antimicrobial were not part of Becky's treatment because Becky was infected by a toxin and not a microbial infection.
Diatoms are not different from eukaryotic cells or eukaryotes. they are Eukaryotes, which are different from prokaryotes. However both the eukaryotes (diatoms) and the prokaryotes possess cytoplasm, plasma membrane and ribosomes.
Explanation:
Demoic acid is a marine bio-toxin that results in Amnesic Shellfish poisoning (ASP). This biotoxin is produced by diatoms of the species <em>Nitzschia navis-varingica</em> of the genus <em>Pseudo-Nitzschia</em><em>. </em>This intoxication can result in symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, hemorrhagic gastritis) to neurological disturbances (including headaches, diziness, disorientation, vision disturbances, loss of short term memory, motor weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, unstable blood pressure, etc.). In more severe cases, it could lead to permanent short term memory loss, brain damage, coma, and death. Due to the lack of antidotes for this toxin, it is advised that medical attention be sought as soon as possible, where the patient can be closely monitored and cared for.
There's a difference between toxins and microbial infections. while Microbial infections are caused by harmful microorganisms infecting the body tissue and cells, toxins are harmful substances produced by microorganisms. Hence, the approach for treatment for both cases are different.
Diatoms are eukaryotic cells or eukaryotes, which are organisms that have a membrane enclosing in their nucleus, hence they have a true nucleus and organelles bound by a membrane, supporting functions in compartments. Prokayotic cells or prokayotes, on the other hand, which are typically smaller, do not possess a protective membrane around their nucleus or any organelles enclosed by the membrane. Regardless of their differences, they still both share similarities. After all, they both are cells. So they have the basic features of cells. These similarities include the possession of a cytoplasm, ribosomes, plasma membrane.
