CONOTOXINS
\kənˈɒtəksˌɪnz], \kənˈɒtəksˌɪnz], \k_ə_n_ˈɒ_t_ə_k_s_ˌɪ_n_z]\
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Peptide neurotoxins from the marine fish-hunting snails of the genus Conus. They contain 13 to 29 amino acids which are strongly basic and are highly cross-linked by disulfide bonds. There are three types of conotoxins, omega-, alpha-, and mu-. OMEGA-CONOTOXINS inhibit voltage-activated entry of calcium into the presynaptic membrane and therefore the release of ACETYLCHOLINE. Alpha-conotoxins inhibit the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor. Mu-conotoxins prevent the generation of muscle action potentials. (From Concise Encyclopedia Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 3rd ed)
By DataStellar Co., Ltd
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hydromorphic
- [Greek] Structurally adapted to an aquatic environment, as organs of water plants.