Answer to Question #124995 in Biochemistry for K Ganesh

Question

One of the ingredients present in the venom of Indian spectacled cobra, Naja naja is phospholipase A2(PLA2). We have discussed the site of action of PLA2 in a glycerophospholipid. PLA2 from cobra venom thus degrades the glycerophospholipids present in the cell membrane leading to cell lysis releasing its cytoplasmic contents.

Answer 1

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) which is an enzyme that cleaves phospholipids to produce lysophospholipids together with free fatty acids. It is an intracellular protein serving a role in cell signaling in the process of free fatty acids production. Externally, such as in cobra venom, the enzyme breaks down glycerophospholipid leading to cell content leaking. Along with other zootoxins in the venom, the PLA2 serves to immobilize, lead to respiratory arrest and kill the targets.