![]() Venom from a different species of snake may affect the ion-channels of the nerve cells, causing them to remain open. Some snake venoms have evolved to destroy tissue, and they cause massive internal bleeding. These proteins attack the cells of organisms in different ways. Snake venom, for instance, is a form of biological toxin which is created from a mixture of different proteins. As such, they have evolved to specifically effect certain animals. Toxins produced by animals are typically used to subdue prey or defend against attack. Because “toxin” is such a broad category, it is impossible to define their size and shape. It can be as simple as a charged particle, running rampant through the system affecting other reactions, to specific proteins that target the nervous system of a prey animal. Types of ToxinsĪ toxin can come in many different shapes and sizes. The damage done by a toxin is determined by its structure, atomically. Organisms use their immune systems to target and remove protein-based toxins, while they rely on the filtration of their blood to remove ions and other free radicals. All of these conditions will eventually lead to the organism dying if the toxin is not removed. Some toxins work by disrupting ion channels within the cells, while others can destroy the cell membrane or mutate the DNA. ![]() The specific effects of a toxin are determined by how it interacts with the cells of the organisms. Some organisms are better equipped to handle certain toxins than others. Each organisms, even within a species, is essentially a unique biochemical factory. Further, not all organisms react to toxins in the same way. As mentioned before, things like pressure, heat, and metabolic rate can drastically change the effects of a toxin. Toxicologists must also take into consideration the environment in which the organisms lives. The effects of a toxin are entirely determined by the biochemical reactions which take place when a potential toxin is introduced into an organism. And oxygen, the live giving gas, can be fatal at certain pressures. If your body holds too much water, your individual cells will not be able to operate efficiently and your body will slowly “drown”, even if you aren’t submerged in the water. Both substances are normally good and we consider them beneficial for all forms of life. ![]() In the study of Toxicology, the central motto is that, “all substances are toxic, it is only the dose which matters.” This fact can be demonstrated with water and oxygen. Different toxins act in different ways to affect the cells they damage. The end result of the strongest toxins is death, due to the damage they cause across the different cells of an organism. The effects of toxins vary widely in different organisms, and with different toxins. Still other atoms and chemicals emit radiation, which has toxic effects on an organism. A toxin can also be in the form of complex molecules such as the proteins found in snake venom. A toxin may be as simple as an ion or atom which negatively interferes with a cell. A toxin is a chemical substance which damages an organism. ![]()
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