Toxic Chemicals Produced by Reptiles and Amphibians

Chemical Name Concentration Source of Chemical Type of Organ] 

Plants are composed of different sets of chemicals than animals, and plants contain some of the most potent chemicals on earth (e.g., digitonin [digitalis] from foxglove plants). Examples of very potent chemicals found in plants are shown in table 2.4. Some of these same chemicals are also used for healing properties (digitalis is used as a drug to combat heart disease). 

Insects (as well as such arachnids as the brown recluse and black widow spiders) have still different sets of chemicals, some of which are also very potent. Microorganisms also contain some very potent chemicals (e.g., botulinum toxin, which causes botulism). Table 2.5 lists some examples of very potent chemicals found in insects and microorganisms. 

All types of organisms contain chemicals, some of which are toxic and dangerous. For example, we all know about the bite of a rattlesnake or black widow spider their bites are poisonous because they cause specific toxic effects in our nervous systems. Therefore, it isn t surprising that there are natural ingredients in our foods that result in toxic effects if enough is eaten. In fact, these natural chemicals 

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Table 2.3. Toxic Chemicals Produced by Reptiles and Amphibians...

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