Toxinology
Toxinology
Toxinology (pronounced: tox-i-nol-o-gy) is the scientific study of toxins, their sources, chemical properties, biological effects and therapeutic uses.
Etymology
The term 'Toxinology' is derived from the Greek words 'toxikon' meaning 'poison' and 'logia' meaning 'study of'.
Definition
Toxinology is a branch of biology and medicine that focuses on the study of venoms, toxins, and other poisonous substances that are produced by animals, plants, and microorganisms. It also includes the study of synthetic and radiological toxins.
Related Terms
- Toxin: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
- Venom: A form of toxin secreted by animals for the purpose of causing harm to others.
- Antivenom: A medication made from antibodies which is used to treat certain venomous bites and stings.
- Toxicology: The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.
- Envenomation: The process by which venom is injected by the bite or sting of a venomous animal.
Fields of Study
Toxinology encompasses several sub-disciplines, including:
- Animal Toxinology: The study of toxins produced by animals, such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions.
- Plant Toxinology: The study of toxins produced by plants.
- Microbial Toxinology: The study of toxins produced by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.
- Clinical Toxinology: The study of the clinical effects of toxins and the treatment of those affected by them.
Applications
The knowledge gained from toxinology research is applied in various fields such as medicine, pharmacology, and biochemistry. For instance, toxins are often used in research as tools to study cell biology and biochemistry. Some toxins have also been used to develop new drugs and therapies.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Toxinology
- Wikipedia's article - Toxinology
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