The Pit Viper Bothrops Jararaca Makes a Venom That Was

question 103

Multiple Choice

The pit viper Bothrops jararaca makes a venom that was used as an arrowhead poison by indigenous tribes of Brazil. This venom inhibits the enzyme necessary to activate angiotensin. Angiotensin is a naturally occurring peptide hormone that causes vasoconstriction and thirst. Why would a molecule that inhibits the activation of a natural vasoconstrictor be poisonous?

• A)An inhibitor of angiotensin may cause a fatal drop in blood pressure.
• B)An inhibitor of angiotensin may allow blood pressure to rise too high, causing stroke.
• C)An inhibitor of angiotensin may prevent adrenaline surges.
• D)An inhibitor of angiotensin may paralyze prey.
• E)An inhibitor of angiotensin may stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.

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