Effects of preparatory procedures on the venom from a rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus), as determined by isoelectric focusing.
A study was made on the venom of a single specimen of the rattlesnake Crotalus molossus molossus, utilizing isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels, to determine what effects various commonly employed preparative procedures might have on the chemical properties of the venom. The procedures included storage at several temperatures, freezing and thawing, evaporation, desiccation and lyophilization. Results indicated that the numbers and relative positions of the protein bands were constant with each procedure. It was concluded that the various procedures did not cause enzymatic degradation or major shifts in the pI of the bands. The significance of the findings is discussed.
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