New Octopus Species Discovered

For the first time, scientists collected venom from octopuses in the waters of the Antarctica. They discovered four new octopus species and two new types of cephalopod venom. Venom is any type of toxins that is used by certain types of animals. For a long time, venom has been seen as a supply for drug expansion. Scientists just recently recognized that the venom of cephalopods (octopuses, cuttlefish and squid) is exclusive. Venom enzyme action is usually affected by temperature, but the enzymes in the Antarctic octopus venom can stay active below zero. Scientists reasoned that these octopuses must use special kinds of adaptations in order to live under zero degree temperatures. They want to investigate more to learn what biochemical tricks that the octopuses used. They also found new small proteins with unique activities that may be useful for drug development.

This article relates to biology concepts because there are many species out there that are venomous. Some examples include certain jellyfish, snakes, snails, octopuses, scorpions, fishes, spiders, and frogs. Also, almost every organism on earth has enzymes in their bodies to help them function. Lastly, most organisms use adaptations in order to live in certain environments or when they move to a new environment. Certain animals live under different ranges of temperatures in order to survive.

This article is important to us because venoms may lead to the development of many different drugs to help us in the future. They may help control pain, fight allergies, and treat cancer. Venom will be studied more in order to help us understand its effects. With this news, we may hope for better treatments of certain defects or diseases in the future.

http://news.discovery.com/animals/octopus-venom-discovery.html