The venom of black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans)contains an enzyme that hydrolyzes lecithin to the phospholipid lysolecithin.The lysolecithin lyses red blood cells,destroying them.One possible mechanism whereby lysolecithin disrupts the plasma membranes of red blood cells is that it
A)is toxic to red blood cells.
B)may act in a manner similar to detergents.
C)binds calcium ions, compromising membrane integrity.
D)acts as a second messenger to stimulate apoptosis.
E)None of the above is a possible mechanism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lysolecithin acts in a similar manner to detergents, disrupting the plasma membrane of red blood cells by solubilizing the lipids in the membrane. This causes the membrane to lose its integrity and leads to lysis of the cell.

The Venom of Black Widow Spiders (Latrodectus Mactans)contains an Enzyme