The Primary Structure of a Major Polypeptide Component from the Venom of Naja melanoleuca

Abstract

The venom of the forest cobra, Naja melanoleuca, contains a number of homologous polypeptides containing between 60 and 71 amino acid residues. The primary structure of a major component (approx. 10% by weight of the crude venom) has been determined unambiguously. The molecule contains 61 amino acid residues and four disulphide bridges. It has no effect on neuromuscular transmission or the excitatory or inhibitory responses to acetylcholine of molluscan neurons. The molecule is similar to, but not identical with, the so‐called cytotoxins VII2 and VII3 isolated, by others, from the same venom but reported to be minor components. Copyright © 1975, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved