Final answer:
Serum for treating snake bites is an example of an antivenom, which is a medical application of research on animal venoms and toxins. Compounds similar to snake venom have been used to create drugs that treat conditions like hypertension and chronic pain, with more in clinical trials.
Step-by-step explanation:
Serum used to treat a snake bite is an example of medical treatment derived from studying the effects of animal venoms and poisons. These substances have been the subject of intense research for their potential to lead to new therapeutic agents. For instance, some compounds that are similar to a snake's active toxin have been utilized to develop treatments for high blood pressure and chronic pain. In fact, by 2007, the FDA had approved five drugs based on animal toxins to treat diseases such as hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes, with more under investigation and clinical trials.
The medical application for components of snake venom extends beyond treatment for bites. If a component of snake venom prevents blood from clotting, it suggests a potential to develop new drugs that could manipulate the blood coagulation process, which could be useful in conditions where modifying blood clotting is necessary.
Moreover, the serum for snake bites is specifically an antivenom, which contains antibodies that neutralize the snake's venom. It’s an immediate treatment that works by binding to the venom toxins, preventing them from spreading and helping remove them from the body.