In a study performed by a group of researchers from University of Notre Dame, University of Nevada, Utah State University, and University of Virginia, it was found that certain species of snakes have adapted to be able to consume amphibians that secrete a neurotoxin that would potentially kill any predators. The neurotoxin is called tetrodoxin (TTX) and is supposed to paralyze the organism that ingests it by blocking sodium channels in muscle tissue. It turns out, the snake species that were studied have had a mutation in their muscle cells that makes them resistant to TTX blocking those key sodium channels.
Researchers found that with the species that are able to ingest the toxin could have only gained the resistance through a very limited set of mutations. This convergent evolution of snake species around the world could pave the way for a better understanding of genetic mutation causing evolution.
By looking at how each of the species live, since the species studied were from various locations including North, Central, and South America and Asia, future research can be done to see what may have caused each genetic mutation, and if similar environmental factors could be the cause. If there are strong connections, it would be interesting to see if predictions could be made as to which species would and/or can develop a similar mutation to resist TTX.
Go snakes!
The original news article can be found at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319151147.htm
The original research publication can be found at:
http://www.pnas.org/content/109/12/4556
1 comment:
Interesting that so few mutations are feasible ways to overcome tetrodotoxin. Go salamanders!
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