We always here about venomous snakes and how dangerous they can be.

we also know snakes can have different types of venom, but who can keep all of that information straight?
well let’s try.

first off what is snake venom?
Snake venom is basically modified saliva. The venom is part of a whole: the apparatus, which is made up of venom glands that synthesize venom; and an injection system, consisting of modified fangs with which to make the venom penetrate into a prey item or a possible threat or predator

there is a lot of chemistry that goes into snake venom, there are a lot of things to break down to better understand what it does, but unless it’s something you have been greatly educated on it is very complicated to understand.

basically what you need to know are the types of venom.
and they are all known as Toxins
there are Neurotoxins which as the name implies attacks the nervous system.
the thing in neurotoxins that enables this is something called Dendrotoxins which more scientifically speaking inhibit neurotransmissions by blocking the exchange of + and – ions across the neuronal membrane lead to no nerve impulse or, no signals from the nerves are getting anywhere..thus nerve damage.
a few examples of snakes that have this venom are Mambas
then there is something called a-neurotoxins which basically affect the same things, but instead of blocking the exchange of + and - ions it will attack cholinergic neurons. They mimic the shape of the acetylcholine molecule and to fit into the receptors → they block the ACh flow → which brings on feelings of numbness and paralysis.
snakes with those sorts of toxins are:
Cobras and Sea Snakes

so basically dont get bitten by Mambra, Cobras, or sea snakes, which are all pretty gnarly snakes to begin with. they have such tempers as in they dont try to run away, they will fight you when threatened.

then you have Cytotoxins
which consist of  Phospholipase which is a molecule that attracts and binds fat and ruptures cell membranes. which basically messes up the process of your blood clotting which makes you basically bleed out.
snakes that have this type of venom are the  Japanese Habu [we have not covered in this blog yet]

then there are Cardiotoxins
three guesses what this toxin affects!
yep Cardiotoxins are components that are specifically toxic to the heart. They bind to particular sites on the surface of muscle cells and cause depolarisation (prevents muscle contractions) so in essence it paralyzes your heart. These toxins may cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop beating, causing death.

Then you have Haemotoxins which if i had to pick a favorite it would be this one [dont ask me why we’re picking favorite toxins..]
The toxin causes haemolysis, or destruction of red blood cells which basically makes you bleed internally, and causes severe bruising. most Vipers have this type of venom.

and that is the science behind snake venom.

and now you know.