Question

How does snake venom kill prey? How is venom toxicity measured?

Answer 1

Snake venom kills prey by targeting the cardiovascular, nervous, or circulatory systems, causing effects like a drop in blood pressure or paralysis. Venom toxicity is often measured by the LD50 standard, and ongoing research uses venom as a base for developing new medical treatments.

Step-by-step explanation:

How Snake Venom Kills Prey

Snake venom is used primarily for immobilizing or killing prey, rather than for self-defense. The venom from different snakes works in various ways; some may affect the cardiovascular system, like the Brazilian viper (Bothrops jararaca), which causes a massive drop in blood pressure. Others have venoms that can affect the nervous system, causing paralysis, or the circulatory system, leading to internal bleeding.

The toxicity of snake venom is measured through various means, typically by the amount of venom that is lethal to half of the test subjects (LD50). The way venom affects the body has also been an area of interest for developing new medical treatments. For example, compounds derived from snake venom have been used to develop drugs to treat conditions such as hypertension.

The study of venom has led to the approval of drugs by the FDA for treating diseases such as hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes. Ongoing research continues to explore the potential of venoms and toxins from various animals, which could lead to new medicinal treatments.

Answer 2

1.Snakes use their venom cautiously, injecting amounts sufficient to disable prey or to defend against predators. Snake venom works by breaking down cells and tissues, which can lead to paralysis, internal bleeding, and death for the snake bite victim.

2.Snake venom and other toxins' strength is measured using the LD50 (lethal dose 50%) test. ... The amount of test substance that kills half the animals gives the LD50 figure. LD50 figures are used, in theory, to indicate the standard toxicity value for each chemical.