What specific type of toxin defines the cytotoxic effects of N. nigricincta venom?

Answer

Cytotoxins

The venom deployed by *Naja nigricincta* is primarily composed of cytotoxins, which are poisons specifically engineered by evolution to destroy living cell tissue upon contact. When this venom enters a victim, the effects are localized and severe, manifesting as intense local pain, significant swelling, and tissue necrosis—the death of body tissue. While Elapid venoms often contain neurotoxins causing paralysis, studies concerning related cobras suggested that the evolutionary emphasis for this particular spitting cobra favors this destructive cellular damage. If the venom enters the eyes during a defensive spit, the localized cytotoxic action can lead to permanent blindness, underscoring why accurate projection is a critical defense.

What specific type of toxin defines the cytotoxic effects of *N. nigricincta* venom?

Related Questions

What was *Naja nigricincta* previously classified as before elevation to full species status?What does the scientific name suffix *nigricincta* roughly translate to for the Zebra Snake?What is the distinctive adult coloration characterizing the *N. n. woodi* subspecies?What specific type of toxin defines the cytotoxic effects of *N. nigricincta* venom?Which nations comprise the native habitat range for *Naja nigricincta*?What is the current IUCN conservation status assigned to the species *Naja nigricincta*?How far, with accuracy, can *N. nigricincta* project its cytotoxic spitting venom?What ecological factor might favor the solid black coloration of *N. n. woodi* over striping?What primary activity pattern shapes the immediate ecological interactions of *Naja nigricincta*?What common name is associated with the nominate subspecies, *N. n. nigricincta*?

evolution zebra snake