Not so Nice Enzymes

Rattlesnake Venom – an enzyme cocktail Phospholipases – dissolve cell membranes Proteases – cause clotting

Bacteria’s Enzyme Arsenal Leukocidinases – destroy WBCs Hemolysinases – destroy RBCs Coagulases – cause clotting Streptokinases – dissolve blood clots Hyaluronidase – dissolves glue betweeen cells Collagenase – breaks down connective tissue

Poison Plant Enzyme - Ricin Found in Castor beans Enters cells – converted to enzyme Inactivates ribosomes Popular plot device – “The Interview”

. . . . . and there’s always Anthrax Two enzymes and an attachment protein Disrupts cell’s internal balance Disrupts cell signals Drives cells to apoptosis