Question

The venom of the Desert Grass Spider (Agelenopsis aperta) contains a peptide, ω-Agatoxin, that potently blocks voltage-gated Ca²⁺channels. It preys primarily on insects. What effect would you anticipate ω-Agatoxin to have on an envenomed insect? Why?

Answer 1

Hello,

Omega-Agatoxin will have neurotoxic effect on insect because by blocking voltage gated Ca²⁺ channels,the neurotransmitter will not be released from synaptic ends that will cause paralysis and eventually the death of the affected insect.

Hope this helps.