Snake/Insect

Snake and insect venoms are a source of proteins for the study of biological activity at the surface of cell membranes. Venom phospholipase A2, for example, obtained from the Chinese cobra, is used widely by biochemists and molecular biologists who study cell surface interactions and catalysis.

Insects have been used in medical research to study, among other things, genetics. The genetics of the small fruit fly have been studied in much detail, and these insects are used today to teach basic concepts in genetics.

Chemicals in spider venom are being investigated as potential drugs for preventing brain damage in stroke patients. This area of study has resulted from the convergence of information about insect physiology and the brain damage that occurs in stroke.

The wasp is parasitic upon the larvae of certain moths that infest granaries and is being investigated for insect control that does not involve toxic insecticides. The wasp also makes a poison that paralyzes caterpillars. The active compound in this poison is being isolated by chemists in order to assess its medicinal prospects.