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Snake venom is a highly toxic saliva [1] containing zootoxins that facilitates in the immobilization and digestion of prey. This also provides defense against threats. Snake venom is usually injected by unique fangs during a bite, though some species are also able to spit venom. [2]
Basic diagram of a snake's venom delivery system When venomous snakes bite a target, they secrete venom through their venom delivery system. The venom delivery system generally consists of two venom glands, a compressor muscle, venom ducts, a fang sheath, and fangs .
For example, the fangs of venomous snakes are connected to a venom gland by means of a duct. [4] Death may occur as a result of bites or stings. The rate of envenoming is described as the likelihood of venom successfully entering a system upon bite or sting. [citation needed] Diagram of a snake's venom penetration system
Rattlesnake venom is a mixture of five to fifteen enzymes, various metal ions, biogenic amines, lipids, free amino acids, proteins, and polypeptides. More specifically, there are three main families of toxins in rattlesnakes: phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), and snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs). [49]
[26]: 243 Venomous snakes include three families of snakes, and do not constitute a formal taxonomic classification group. [citation needed] The colloquial term "poisonous snake" is generally an incorrect label for snakes. A poison is inhaled or ingested, whereas venom produced by snakes is injected into its victim via fangs. [81]
Venom milking is the most simplistic way of collecting a venom sample. It usually involves a vertebrate animal (Typically a snake) to deliver a venomous bite into a container. Similarly, electrical stimulation can be used for invertebrate animal (Insects and arachnids) subjects. [24]
Venomous snakes are species of the suborder Serpentes that are capable of producing venom, which they use for killing prey, for defense, and to assist with digestion of their prey. The venom is typically delivered by injection using hollow or grooved fangs , although some venomous snakes lack well-developed fangs.
The evolutionary path of these separate glands may come from “venom proteins” whose genes are widely expressed in tissues of both venomous and non-venomous snakes. These genes are over-expressed in the venom glands (including Duvernoy's gland), indicating the secretions from these glands evolved separately, rather than sequentially. [5]