Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tetrodotoxin
Many species of animals use paralyzing toxins in order to capture prey, evade predation, or both.
One famous example is the tetrodotoxin (anhydrotetrodotoxin 4-epitetrodotoxin, tetrodonic acid, TTX) of fish species such as Takifugu rubripes, the famously lethal pufferfish of Japanese fugu. This toxin works by binding to sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the cells' proper function. A non-lethal dose of this toxin results in temporary paralysis. This toxin is also present in many other species ranging from toads to nemerteans.
Another interesting use of paralysis in the natural world is the behavior of some species of wasp. In order to complete the reproductive cycle, the female wasp first paralyzes a prey item such as a grasshopper and then places it into her nest. Eggs are then laid in the paralyzed insect, which is devoured by the larvae after they hatch.
I can’t be sure but I think my pet rock has been injected with tetrodotoxin. He's not moving...
...or he's just stoned. Either way I sure do hope he's being eaten from the inside out by wasp larvae…
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One famous example is the tetrodotoxin (anhydrotetrodotoxin 4-epitetrodotoxin, tetrodonic acid, TTX) of fish species such as Takifugu rubripes, the famously lethal pufferfish of Japanese fugu. This toxin works by binding to sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the cells' proper function. A non-lethal dose of this toxin results in temporary paralysis. This toxin is also present in many other species ranging from toads to nemerteans.
Another interesting use of paralysis in the natural world is the behavior of some species of wasp. In order to complete the reproductive cycle, the female wasp first paralyzes a prey item such as a grasshopper and then places it into her nest. Eggs are then laid in the paralyzed insect, which is devoured by the larvae after they hatch.
I can’t be sure but I think my pet rock has been injected with tetrodotoxin. He's not moving...
...or he's just stoned. Either way I sure do hope he's being eaten from the inside out by wasp larvae…
Him and those rocks behind him!
Also a scientific note: The rock species use paralyzing toxins in humans for reproductive purposes.
Kidney stones.... I rest my case.
Maaaaaaaaaaaaan! I hadn't even noticed the rocks behind him. It's, it's, it's like an paralysis epidemic amongst rocks. Maybe we should establish an International Fund to fight the problem... and then spend the profits in Aruba.
Can't argue logic like that B-Hip, Kidney must be the evolutionary birth place of all rocks on the planet.
I am sorry, but this just sounds insane.
Hippo, please, as an American & a Christian (I am practicing my skills in retorquere) do not listen to the crazy Austrailian.