Introduction to Electric Organ Fish and Venom Mechanisms

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on electric organs and venom mechanisms in fish.

Ontogenetic Shift

A change that occurs over an individual's lifespan.

VIM

A mixture of different toxins produced by an organism that can vary over time.

Necrosis

Tissue death that can occur as a result of factors such as toxins.

Flaccid Paralysis

A condition caused by certain venoms, leading to the loss of muscle tone and inability to contract muscles.

Three Finger Toxins

A family of venoms that interfere with acetylcholine receptors, preventing them from activating.

TENS Unit

A device that sends electrical pulses to stimulate muscle contraction for therapeutic purposes.

Electropaxes

Specialized muscle cells used by certain fish to generate electrical impulses.

Bioluminescence

The production of light by living organisms, often used for communication or predation.

Luciferin

A light-emitting molecule that, when broken down by luciferase, produces bioluminescent light.

Counter Illumination

A form of camouflage where organisms match the light from the surface to avoid detection by predators.