Latrotoxin
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈlæt.ɹəˌtɒk.sɪn/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Latrotoxin is a noun meaning (biochemistry) Any of a group of neurotoxins found in the venom of spiders of the genus Latrodectus.
Meaning
(biochemistry) Any of a group of neurotoxins found in the venom of spiders of the genus Latrodectus.
Example Sentences
At present, seven different latrotoxins have been isolated from the venom of L. tredecimguttatus.
The black widow spider injects a neurotoxin called α-latrotoxin in its venom, which causes the release of acetylcholine and catecholamines at the neuromuscular junction.
These toxins are produced by black or brown widow spiders from the genus Latrodectus and are directed predominantly against vertebrates (α-LTX), although five homologous insect-specific latrotoxins and one crustacean-specific latrotoxin coexist in the venom of Latrodectus mactans tredecimguttans.
Word Forms
- latrotoxins
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include erabutoxin, arachnotoxin, latranculin, plectotoxin, plectoxin, latrunculin.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.