Question

Southern copperhead snake venom contains a protein called disintegrin. disintegrins bind to a class of membrane receptors called integrins. platelets use integrin receptors to aggregate at a site of tissue damage. why does the snake venom contain this molecule?

Answer 1

The snake venom contains this molecule, Disintegrin which interferes with the aggregate formation of platelets at the wound, the formation of fibrin, and therefore a blood clot, so the venom can travel more efficiently from the site of bite to the rest of the body. The main function is therefore the inhibitory action on platelet aggregation.