Insect toxin

Insect Toxin

Insect toxin (pronunciation: /ˈɪnsɛkt ˈtɒksɪn/) refers to the various poisonous substances produced by certain insects as a defense mechanism or for predation.

Etymology

The term 'insect toxin' is derived from the Latin word 'insectum', meaning 'notched or divided body', and the Greek word 'toxikon', meaning 'poison for arrows'.

Types of Insect Toxins

There are several types of insect toxins, including:

• Neurotoxins: These toxins affect the nervous system, causing paralysis or death. Examples include the venom of the Black Widow Spider and the Scorpion.

• Cytotoxins: These toxins cause damage to cells and tissues. An example is the venom of the Brown Recluse Spider.

• Hemotoxins: These toxins affect the blood and cardiovascular system. An example is the venom of the Honey Bee.

Related Terms

• Venom: A poisonous substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, and insects and typically injected into prey or aggressors by biting or stinging.

• Toxin: A poison of plant or animal origin, especially one produced by or derived from microorganisms and causing disease when present at low concentration in the body.

• Antivenom: A preparation of serum containing antibodies, obtained from a horse or other mammal that has been immunized against the venom of a snake, spider, or other venomous creature.

• Envenomation: The process by which venom is injected by the bite or sting of a venomous animal.

See Also

• Arachnid
• Insect
• Venomous Animals
• Toxicology

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Insect toxin
• Wikipedia's article - Insect toxin

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