2006-10-16 05:01:42 · 3 answers · asked by SUE N 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
It really depends on the type of venom, but the short answer is that your immune system must be able to recognize the venom and neutralize it. To do this, after being bitten by something venomous, you need to be given the antivenin. Antivenin is basically an antibody solution taken from an animal that has been given small, nontoxic amounts of the venom, and allowed to buld an immune response. The antibodies that recognize the venom are then injected into the bitten person, which then binds to the venom and either directly neutralizes the venom, or allows the persons own immune system to become aware of the presence of the venom by making it "bigger" and easier for the immune system to detect.
2006-10-16 05:10:34 · answer #1 · answered by Wally M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since venoms are proteinaceous, the body can produce antibodies that neutralize them. However, the antibody response is not fast enough to neutralize a large amount of venom before it does serious, even lethal, harm. Very small amounts of venom introduced over time can ellicit a typical antibody response that may provide protection against future exposures to the same venom.
2006-10-16 06:23:43 · answer #2 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bite poison
2006-10-16 05:10:16 · answer #3 · answered by nbr660 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋