The venom of the Eastern diamondback rattler and the Indian cobra contains phospholipase A2, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of fatty acids at the C-2 position of glycerophospholipids. The phospholipid breakdownproduct of this reaction is lysolecithin (lecithin is phosphatidylcholine). At high concentrations, this and other lysophospholipids act as detergents, dissolving the membranes of erythrocytes and lysing the cells. Extensive hemolysis may be lifethreatening.(a) All detergents are amphipathic. What are the hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions of lysolecithin?(b) The pain and inflammation caused by a snake bite can be treated with certain steroids. What is the basis of this treatment?(c) Though the high levels of phospholipase A2 in venom can be deadly, this enzyme is necessary for a variety of normal metabolic processes. What are these processes?
The venom of the Eastern diamondback rattler and the Indian cobra contains phospholipase A2, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of fatty acids at the C-2 position of glycerophospholipids. The phospholipid breakdown
product of this reaction is lysolecithin (lecithin is phosphatidylcholine). At high concentrations, this and other lysophospholipids act as detergents, dissolving the membranes of erythrocytes and lysing the cells. Extensive hemolysis may be lifethreatening.
(a) All detergents are amphipathic. What are the hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions of lysolecithin?
(b) The pain and inflammation caused by a snake bite can be treated with certain steroids. What is the basis of this treatment?
(c) Though the high levels of phospholipase A2 in venom can be deadly, this enzyme is necessary for a variety of normal
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