Question:

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Venoms of cobra and krait are mainly neurotoxic.
Statement (II): Their toxins cause coagulation defects.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

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Remember the snake families: - Elapids (Cobra, Krait) = Neurotoxic (paralysis). - Viperids (Vipers) = Hemotoxic/Vasculotoxic (bleeding and coagulation defects).
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
  • Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
  • Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of proteins and enzymes that are classified based on their primary physiological effects as neurotoxic, hemotoxic (vasculotoxic), or cytotoxic.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate both statements:
- Statement (I): Cobras (Naja species) and kraits (Bungarus species) belong to the family Elapidae. Their venoms are primarily neurotoxic. They contain potent pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurotoxins (such as cobratoxin and bungarotoxin) that bind to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This blocks nerve transmission, leading to progressive flaccid paralysis and death from respiratory failure. Thus, Statement (I) is true.
- Statement (II): Coagulation defects, severe hemorrhage, local tissue necrosis, and hemolysis are characteristic hallmarks of hemotoxic (vasculotoxic) venoms, which are produced primarily by snakes of the family Viperidae (such as Russell's viper and saw-scaled viper). Elapid venoms (cobra and krait) have minimal direct effects on the coagulation cascade compared to their profound neurotoxic actions. Thus, Statement (II) is false.
Therefore, Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false, which corresponds to option (C).
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