Answer to Question #125101 in Biochemistry for Water

Question

Cobra bite causes swelling and pain. A fatty acid cleaved off by PLA2 from cell

membranes is the culprit inducing synthesis of molecules that cause this pain and

inflammation. Comment on this fact.

Answer 1

Lymphatic pain and swelling is associated with envenoming bites and arises because the inoculated components of the venom enter the lymphatic system prior to entering the circulation. It presents with haemotoxic reactions which results from the activity of hemorrhaging, platelet inhibitors pro-coagulants, anticoagulants, and activators and haemolytics, neuromuscular weakness as a result of the presence in the venom of toxins that block AChRs at the neuromuscular junction or neuro myotoxicity resulting from toxins which initiate neuro and/or myo-degeneration.