holothurin
Quick Summary
Holothurin is a toxin produced by some species of sea cucumbers, which are marine invertebrates belonging to the class Holothuroidea. While these toxins can be lethal to small aquatic animals, they are not harmful to humans. Sea islanders have historically used sea cucumber juices to stun or kill fish. Sea cucumbers themselves have soft, cylindrical bodies and are found in all oceans, often on coral reefs. They are harvested for various products, with the dried body wall, known as bêche-de-mer, being a delicacy in Asia. Overfishing has significantly reduced the populations of many valuable sea cucumber species.1
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steroidSteroids of insects, fungi, and other organisms…sea cucumbers (Holothuroideae) produce the holothurinogenins, a group of lanosterol derivatives toxic to nerve tissue. An example of a holothurinogenin (13) is shown here.
Read More…sea cucumbers (Holothuroideae) produce the holothurinogenins, a group of lanosterol derivatives toxic to nerve tissue. An example of a holothurinogenin (13) is shown here.
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echinodermRelation to human life…produce a toxin, known as holothurin, which is lethal to many kinds of animals; Pacific islanders kill fish by poisoning waters with holothurian body tissues that release the toxin. Holothurin does not appear to harm human beings; in fact, the toxin has been found to reduce the rate of growth…
Read More…produce a toxin, known as holothurin, which is lethal to many kinds of animals; Pacific islanders kill fish by poisoning waters with holothurian body tissues that release the toxin. Holothurin does not appear to harm human beings; in fact, the toxin has been found to reduce the rate of growth…
Read More- echinodermPredation and defense
…or distract predators; others produce holothurin, a toxin lethal to many would-be predators.
Read More…or distract predators; others produce holothurin, a toxin lethal to many would-be predators.
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