Related Experiment Videos
Snake venom components and their cross-reactivity: a review
1Toxicology and Infectivity Group, Biomedical Defense Section, Defense Research Establishment Suffield, Ralston, Alta., Canada.
Biochemistry and Cell Biology = Biochimie Et Biologie Cellulaire
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Snake venoms contain biologically active compounds. While cross-reactivity between snake venoms suggests evolutionary links, recent findings on venom variation within species cast doubt on these conclusions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Evolutionary Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Snake venoms are complex biological mixtures with diverse organic and inorganic compounds.
- Antisera against one snake species' venom proteins cross-react with proteins from other species' venoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the implications of venom cross-reactivity in snake species.
- To evaluate the reliability of using venom cross-reactivity for determining snake phylogeny.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on snake venom composition.
- Analysis of cross-reactivity data from antisera testing.
- Consideration of recent research on intraspecific venom variation.
Main Results:
- Cross-reactivity between venoms of different snake species is a documented phenomenon.
- Intraspecific variation in venom composition is significant and widespread.
Conclusions:
- While venom cross-reactivity has potential applications, its utility for establishing snake evolutionary relationships is questionable due to significant intraspecific venom variability.