Before we start talking about plant and animal toxins let me first explain what are toxins.
Toxins are poisonous substances produced within a living cell or organism. These are small molecules that could either be proteins or peptides that are capable of causing disease in contact with or by absorption of body tissues interacting with bio molecules such as enzymes or cellular receptors.
Animal toxins are also known as "venom", there are many source of animal toxins, they can be seen in spiders, insects, snakes, lizards, fish, frogs, and etc. These organisms may either use them for predation (catching prey) or for defense.
Some animal toxins target Ca and K channels, which are found on the surface of the nerve and the muscle, that have a very basic role in maintaining and propagating action potential and muscle contraction. This is to immobilize the prey of the organism. And some of them target acetylcholine receptor, it acts on the neuromascular junction but not on the muscle cell. This will then trigger the release of acetylcholine which would lead to neuromascularblockage, leading to respiratory failure and eventually death. x_x
Some animal toxins have enzymes that is used for digestive functions, these are mostly found in snake venom's.
Now lets move on to plant toxins. Unlike animals, plants don't have the luxury of having teeth, claws, and legs to get out of a tight spot, instead they make use of their chemical properties as a form of defense towards unwanted predators. Lucky for us there are many plant toxins that are very helpful to humans, they are used as humans-vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, anticarcinogens, and many compounds with medicinal value. But there are also some that cause adverse effects, most common of them is allergic dermatitis and some of the plants that cause it are : Philodendron, poison ivy, cashew, bulbs of daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips. Some plants could also cause stomach irritation like horse chest nuts and poke weeds, and many other symp`toms like seizures, liver failure, vasoconstriction and etc.
This would some how vary in the amount of consumption but it is very much important to choose the type of plant that is to be used or eaten. :)
References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxin
http://activenocarber.myfreeforum.org/archive/plant-toxins__o_t__t_245.html
http://www.fathom.com/course/10701017/session3.html
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