Poisonous challenges Flashcards
(20 cards)
1
Q
poison
A
any substance that disturbs homeostasis
2
Q
routes of exposure to poison
A
- ingestion
- skin
- inhalation
3
Q
poisons excreted by:
A
- being sick
- diarrhoea
- coughing
- swelling
4
Q
classification for poison from animal
A
zootoxin
5
Q
classification for poison from plant
A
phytotoxin
6
Q
classification for poison from microbial
A
endo- or ecto- toxin
7
Q
classification for poison from fungi
A
mycotoxin
8
Q
classification for poison from inorganic sources
A
minerals or metals
9
Q
susceptibility to poisons
A
route of exposure determines rate of absorption
- there are differences between species and breeds
10
Q
factors affecting susceptibility
A
- adaptation/accumulation
- liver or kidney damage
- trace element deficiencies
- physiological state, e.g. pregnancy, age
11
Q
poisonous plants
A
- long history
- most toxic species were identified by 1700s
- many beneficial plants are toxic in excess
- 10/20% animal food poisoning due to plants
- animals try to avoid eating dangerous plants
- range of compounds can make a plant poisonous
12
Q
alkaloids
A
- alkaline like
- largest group, 4000 diff. compounds
- in 10% of all plants
- modified in liver prior to excretion
- produces similar activity to numerous nerve transmitters
- can have therapeutic uses
- generally taste bitter
13
Q
glycosides
A
- not toxic
- can have positive effects on health
- 4 classifications
14
Q
4 classifications of glycosides
A
- cyanogenic
- goitrogenic
- cardiac
- saponins
15
Q
nitrates & nitrites
A
- plants take up N as nitrates = formation of proteins
- converted to toxic nitrites when eaten
- reacts w/ haemoglobin to form methaemoglobin
- animals can adapt to fight it
16
Q
oxalates
A
- found in most plants
- seasonal variation
- influenced by soil type
- leaves usually . roots
- form insoluble Ca salts
- speedy consumption of plants makes more susceptible
17
Q
pesticides
A
- made of many chemicals
- developed to control pests
- can affect non-target animals
- whereabouts needs to be constantly monitored
18
Q
possible ways pesticides affect metabolism
A
- neurotoxins
- anticoagulant
- gastrointestinal distress & dehydration
- hepatic stress & liver failure
- disruption of cellular ionic gradient
19
Q
minerals as toxins
A
- most minerals are toxic in excess
- most lead to chronic toxicity
- need to take other minerals to reduce risk
20
Q
mycotoxins
A
- over 500 identified
- produced by moulds
