Chapter 19: Problem 65
Bumblebee venom contains several related heptadecapeptides from the bomditin family. Papain can be used to help relieve the pain of bee stings. Why do you suppose it works?
Short Answer
Expert verified
Papain breaks down venom proteins, reducing pain and inflammation.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Chemistry
Bumblebee venom contains peptides known as heptadecapeptides. These are molecules made up of chains of 17 amino acids, contributing to pain and inflammation when injected by a sting.
02
Role of Papain
Papain is an enzyme that is commonly found in papaya. It functions by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, a process known as proteolysis.
03
Enzyme Action on Venom
When applied to a bee sting, papain breaks down the proteins in the venom, including the heptadecapeptides. This degradation process reduces the activity of these peptides, diminishing their ability to cause pain and inflammation.
04
Effect on Pain Relief
By breaking down the peptide chains in the venom, papain reduces the inflammatory response and neural activation caused by the venom. This leads to a decrease in pain and swelling at the site of the sting.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Bumblebee Venom
Bumblebee venom is a unique and fascinating substance that plays a significant role in the interaction between humans and these buzzing insects. This venom contains a variety of peptides, including heptadecapeptides, which are chains of 17 amino acids. These peptides are responsible for the pain and discomfort associated with bumblebee stings. When injected into the skin, they can cause localized pain, swelling, and inflammation. These symptoms are a result of the venom's ability to interfere with normal cellular functions and provoke an immune response.
Understanding the composition of bumblebee venom is crucial as it helps in developing treatments to mitigate the pain and inflammation. The heptadecapeptides contribute to the venom's overall irritating nature, which prompts further exploration of how other substances, like papain, can neutralize these effects.
Understanding the composition of bumblebee venom is crucial as it helps in developing treatments to mitigate the pain and inflammation. The heptadecapeptides contribute to the venom's overall irritating nature, which prompts further exploration of how other substances, like papain, can neutralize these effects.
Heptadecapeptides
Heptadecapeptides are a complex group of molecules that consist of 17 amino acids linked together in a chain. These peptides are a critical component of bumblebee venom. They lead to the painful experience often felt after a bee sting. Heptadecapeptides work by interacting with proteins in the body, causing a cascade of responses that can lead to inflammation and pain.
- They activate certain cell receptors, prompting the release of inflammatory mediators.
- This leads to the swelling and discomfort commonly felt after a sting.
Proteolysis
Proteolysis is the essential biological process where proteins are broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids. This process is facilitated by enzymes which act as biological catalysts. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Papain, an enzyme derived from papaya, is particularly effective in proteolysis. When applied to a sting, papain breaks down the proteins in the venom. This includes the disruptive heptadecapeptides, into less active forms. Folding and breaking these long amino acid chains diminishes the venom’s capacity to continue causing inflammation. Proteolysis in this manner is a natural and gentle approach to managing the impact of venom at the site of a sting.
Papain, an enzyme derived from papaya, is particularly effective in proteolysis. When applied to a sting, papain breaks down the proteins in the venom. This includes the disruptive heptadecapeptides, into less active forms. Folding and breaking these long amino acid chains diminishes the venom’s capacity to continue causing inflammation. Proteolysis in this manner is a natural and gentle approach to managing the impact of venom at the site of a sting.
Enzyme Action
Enzyme action is a fundamental aspect of biochemical reactions in the body. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze specific reactions, each one designed to perform a unique role. In the context of venom neutralization, enzymes like papain offer therapeutic benefits.
Papain specifically targets the proteins within bumblebee venom, breaking them down through hydrolase activity. This activity involves adding water molecules to peptide bonds, which results in the cleavage of these bonds and the formation of smaller, more benign peptides.
Papain specifically targets the proteins within bumblebee venom, breaking them down through hydrolase activity. This activity involves adding water molecules to peptide bonds, which results in the cleavage of these bonds and the formation of smaller, more benign peptides.
- By degrading these peptides, papain effectively reduces the venom's potency.
- The reduction in venom activity correlates with a decrease in pain and swelling as the peptides lose their ability to trigger the usual intense inflammatory response.