Ectatomin is a toxic component from Ectatomma tuberculatum ant venom. It contains two homologous polypeptide chains with 37 and 34 residues. The chains are linked together by a disulfide bond. Ectatomin in a cell leads to an irreversible increase in ion leakage, a decrease in membrane resistance, and eventually cell death. Ectatomin is found to be the most potent toxic peptide from ant venom because it blocks the calcium channel in the victims.
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