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Original source of photo: http://animalinformations.blogspot.com/2009/12/king-cobra-world-dangerous-snakes.htmlDefinitions -
Protein: A polymer made up of a set of 20 kinds of amino acids.
Nervous System: The system of organs, cells and tissues that help control the body's actions and reactions to internal/external stimulation.
Cardiovascular System: The Cardiovascular system circulates the blood in the heart and other blood vessels.
Summary -
Haditoxin, a protein found in the venom of the King Cobra, the world's largest venomous snake, was discovered by Professor Manjunatha Kini in his Singapore lab. This protein is structurally unique because it is made up of two identical three-finger toxins (protein molecules) linked together. Nirthanan, the study's co-author says that, "the toxin is like a conjoined twin." Scientists know that three-finger toxins have different affects on the human nervous system, blood clotting and cardiovascular system. Some three-finger toxins have led to the development of compounds with properties like blood pressure reducing properties. With this in mind, it is likely that Haditoxin (either in its "conjoined twin state" or as individual components) will offer scientists more understanding on three-finger toxins.
Discussion
This article doesn't relate to my life. However, I find it very interesting. When I saw the title "King Cobra venom may lead to new drug" I felt compelled to read the article. I find it very innovative that scientists are looking for cures in things like snake venom. Before reading this study, I never would have thought that something so dangerous like king cobra venom could be helpful and lead to something like a new drug.
Questions
1. What kind of drug would snake venom lead to? Will it actually work?
2. Are there any other seemingly dangerous things out there that could actually be used for good?
Citations
[Original Article]
"King Cobra venom may lead to a new drug." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 10 March. 2010.
[Image]
http://animalinformations.blogspot.com/2009/12/king-cobra-world-dangerous-snakes.html
*note - i don't know why the image is not showing up in the post. however if you click in the space where the image is supposed to be, it will link you to the picture. sorry bout that.
4 comments:
Excellent blog post! It is clearly written and I can easily understand it. I also think the article is very interesting. I think it is cool how scientists are looking into unlikely things such as King Cobra venom and other organisms to find ingredients for medicine and cures. Maybe one day, a cure for cancer may be found from this type of research. Like you, I also am wondering what type of drug this protein will lead to, and what uses it will have. When you read the article, was there any other information on how the protein Haditoxin affected the body, and possibly be able to be made into a drug? Please include the link to the article. Overall, this is a very interesting post.
I think that this was really interesting, because it shows that a lot of things can have unexpected, strange uses, as you said. Many cures to serious diseases have been found like this (by accident), so I hope that more discoveries like this one are found, because they might be able to help us. I really like how you clearly explained the three-finger-toxins and how they affect the human body. Great job! :D
To Cindy -
A lot of things can have strange uses! Who would have ever thought that something like king cobra venom could be useful?
And yes, things like Penicillin. Accidentally discovered and extremely helpful.
thanks for the comment :)
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