Crotalin

/ˈkroʊtələn/ noun

Definition

A toxic protein or venom component found in rattlesnakes, particularly in the genus Crotalus.

Etymology

Derived from Crotalus (the scientific genus name for rattlesnakes) with the chemical suffix -in, indicating a protein or organic compound.

Kelly Says

Crotalin toxins are so potent that researchers have studied them for decades to develop better antivenoms and understand how neurotoxins work—snake venom is teaching us about human biology!

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