Article
A Single Mutation Unlocks Cascading Exaptations in the Origin of a Potent Pitviper Neurotoxin.
Molecular biology and evolution - 1 Apr 2018
Whittington A Carl, Mason Andrew J, Rokyta Darin R
Abstract excerpt
Evolutionary innovations and complex phenotypes seemingly require an improbable amount of genetic change to evolve. Rattlesnakes display two dramatically different venom phenotypes. Type I venoms are hemorrhagic with low systemic toxicity and high expression of tissue-destroying snake venom metalloproteinases. Type II venoms are highly neurotoxic and lack snake venom metalloproteinase expression and associated...
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