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Venom Question
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by wcoley on October 17, 2005
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As most of us know, venom is composed of a multitude of enzymes. Since enzymes tend to break down over a period of time, is there a time frame ( I realize it would vary for different species) for which a snake must strike and inject its venom before it begins to break down and become less potent? As a snake ages, does the venom composition change to coincide with the venom being stored for longer periods of time since the snake will sometimes eat larget meals at less often intervals? Not sure if anyone can answer this, but its something to ponder.
Take Care,
Will
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RE: Venom Question
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by earthguy on October 17, 2005
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Every protien in a organism deteriorates. Luckily, most of them are continually replaced. Do snakes get less venomous as they get older? Possibly. Think of the production of venom as a metabolic cost. The benefits are protection and prey capture (mostly prey capture). OK. Now if a snake is old, dehydrated, stressed, or hungry, then potentially the venom production is lower (due to there not being as much metabolic "currency" available). I hope this helps. It made sense in my brain as I was typing it..
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RE: Venom Question
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by Rabies on October 17, 2005
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In some snakes the juveniles venom is more "toxic" than their adult counter parts. Crotalus atrox is one, as it gets older its venom changes and becomes less toxic BUT!!!! the quantity (yield) increases making it a very dangerous snake. There are some other examples but unfortunately I'm too tiered to read. Sorry
John
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RE: Venom Question
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by Frawgg on October 19, 2005
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I wonder if old peoples digestive enzymes are less effective than, say, a 20 year olds?
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RE: Venom Question
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by Cro on October 19, 2005
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``I wonder if old peoples digestive enzymes are less effective than, say, a 20 year olds? `` There are hundreds of studys that say this is so. As people age, their digestive enzymes get weaker, and they absorbe less nutrients from the food they eat. There are a lot of old farts who take hydrocloric acid supplements to help them digest their food so they get the maximum nutritional value from it.
JohnZ
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