Which nerve agent is noted as significantly more lethal than VX?

The Novichok agents are a class of nerve agents developed in the Soviet Union that are recognized for their extreme toxicity and lethality, often surpassing that of VX, one of the most well-known nerve agents. Research indicates that some Novichok agents can cause severe symptoms even at lower dosages compared to VX, making them particularly dangerous.

These agents work similarly to other nerve agents by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to a buildup of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which causes continuous stimulation of muscles, glands, and the central nervous system. However, the specific chemical structures of the Novichok agents give them properties that can make them more lethal and harder to detect than VX, hence their notoriety in discussions surrounding chemical warfare.

The other options, while also being nerve agents, do not possess the same level of lethality when compared to the Novichok agents in terms of both efficiency and toxicity under certain conditions. Understanding this hierarchy of nerve agents is critical for military and medical professionals, especially in contexts related to chemical warfare.