How Venom Works
How Venom Works
An animal’s venom is made up of many substances. the mixture of substances is different for each venomous species, though different mixtures include some of the same poisonous substances.
Different venoms affect the body in different ways. some venoms affect the brain and the nerves. this kind of venom is called a neurotoxin. A neurotoxin may make muscles cramp or twitch. it may also paralyze muscles, which can make an animal stop breathing and lead to heart failure. other venoms harm the blood. they are called hemotoxins. A hemotoxin may cause bleeding inside the body, or it can make the blood clot too quickly or too slowly. venoms can also cause swelling, severe rashes, and other reactions.
The body of a venomous animal uses energy to make venom. this is why venomous animals prefer to hide or flee from danger. An animal that makes venom for killing prey would rather save its venom for hunting and not waste it on an animal it cannot eat. even an animal that makes venom only for self-defense is usually slow to use it. it is more likely to hide, flee, or warn a predator to stay away.
Scientists have developed substances that can stop venoms from damaging the body. these substances are called antivenins. Antivenins exist for many, but not all venoms. they have saved many lives. venoms are actually used in making the antivenins. scientists are also researching venoms to find substances that can be used to make medicines. the venom of the cone snail, for example, has yielded a drug that is used as a painkiller.
An animal’s venom is made up of many substances. the mixture of substances is different for each venomous species, though different mixtures include some of the same poisonous substances.
Different venoms affect the body in different ways. some venoms affect the brain and the nerves. this kind of venom is called a neurotoxin. A neurotoxin may make muscles cramp or twitch. it may also paralyze muscles, which can make an animal stop breathing and lead to heart failure. other venoms harm the blood. they are called hemotoxins. A hemotoxin may cause bleeding inside the body, or it can make the blood clot too quickly or too slowly. venoms can also cause swelling, severe rashes, and other reactions.
The body of a venomous animal uses energy to make venom. this is why venomous animals prefer to hide or flee from danger. An animal that makes venom for killing prey would rather save its venom for hunting and not waste it on an animal it cannot eat. even an animal that makes venom only for self-defense is usually slow to use it. it is more likely to hide, flee, or warn a predator to stay away.
Scientists have developed substances that can stop venoms from damaging the body. these substances are called antivenins. Antivenins exist for many, but not all venoms. they have saved many lives. venoms are actually used in making the antivenins. scientists are also researching venoms to find substances that can be used to make medicines. the venom of the cone snail, for example, has yielded a drug that is used as a painkiller.
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