Abstract

We have predicted the secondary structure of 38 snake venom toxins using the method of Chou and Fasman. Our predictions indicate that beta-chain and random coil structures predominate in these proteins. The conformations of long neurotoxins, short neurotoxins and cytotoxins are less similar than previously believed. Cytotoxins contain 40--50% of beta-structure and they form a notably homogeneous group. Short neurotoxins contain less beta-structure (13--30%) and more random coil than cytotoxins, and they also form a more heterogeneous group in terms of secondary structure. The characteristics of long neurotoxins are intermediate to the above mentioned groups. Experimental evidence supporting these propositions is discussed.

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