Purpose:The purpose of this website is to inform readers of the toxins in Varanus komodoensis venom. We will focus specifically on the natriuretic-type toxins found within the venom cocktail of this species. Their mechanism of action, effects on the human body, and their potential medical uses will be included within this website.
About the Authors:Brad Beckstrom is a senior at the University of New Mexico. He is graduating in December 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctoral degree in genetics research.
Kaitlyn Nelsen is a senior at the University of New Mexico. She is graduating in December 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Spanish. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school. Shelby Parker is a senior at the University of New Mexico. She is graduating in December 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, with minors in Chemistry and Honors Studies. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in forensic pathology and biomedical research. |
Brief History - Varanus komodoensisVaranus komodoensis, commonly known as the komodo dragon, is the world's largest lizard species. The earliest recorded fossils of Varanus occurred approximate 40 million years ago. They are most commonly found in Asia and have a life span of approximately 50 years in the wild. The males can weigh up to ~125 kg and are much larger than females (10 feet for males compared to 8 feet for females). V. komodoensis are primarily scavengers and have two highly developed sensory systems that allow them to locate carcasses from great distances. Interestingly, they can eat up to 80% of their body weight, so a wide variety of animals are attacked when they act as predators (1). Their fangs are located towards the back of the mouth and thus it is important they maintain a deep bite on their prey. Loss of blood from the wounds and exposure to the injected toxin helps kill the prey (3).
What is a Toxin?According to Señor Google and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a toxin is defined as "a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation" 2. As we learned in Biology of Toxins (Biology 445), a more simplified definition of a toxin is "a substance produced by an organism that has an adverse effect on another organism." No matter the definition, it is important to understand the mechanism by which toxins attack an organism so as to know how they can be detoxified.
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