How Deadly Animals Avoid Poisoning Themselves
By: NDTVNewsDesk
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Deadly animals avoid poisoning themselves through various mechanisms like molecular resistance, toxin sponges, etc.
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Many animals have evolved genetic mutations that slightly change the shape of their own nerve proteins or receptors.
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This alteration prevents their own venom or poison from latching onto the target protein and causing harm.
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Poison dart frogs, for example, are resistant to their own toxins due to these changes in their acetylcholine receptors.
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Some animals have proteins in their bloodstream that act like sponges for toxins.
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These proteins absorb and bind to the toxins, preventing them from reaching and damaging cells and tissues.
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For example, the hooded pitohui, a poisonous bird, has these toxin-absorbing proteins in its blood.
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Some venomous animals, like snakes, have glands and ducts lined with toxin-resistant cells.
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The venom is kept in these specialised compartments, separate from the rest of their body.
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