Snake Venom Toxins

Abstract

Abstract The amino acid sequences of two toxins, designated α and β, from Cape cobra (Naja nivea) venom have been elucidated. Toxin β, a 61-amino acid residue molecule, is similar in amino acid sequence to toxin δ from the same venom. Toxin α consists of 71 amino acid residues with five intramolecular disulfide bridges linking half-cystine residues 3 and 20, 14 and 41, 26 and 30, 45 and 56, and 57 and 62. Although obviously distinct from toxin β in amino acid sequence, the two toxins are homologous.