4), insects may find themselves less troubled by
plant toxins, according to a study comparing growth rates of tobacco hornworms living in either fluctuating or constant temperatures.
We concur that most
plant toxins do not induce fever, but some do contain anticholinergic alkaloids that may interfere with perspiration and elevate body temperature.
If we can identify the chemistry in their bodies that fights
plant toxins, we might learn how to cure people of some diseases.
Lectins are potentially the most dangerous
plant toxins, yet scientists have only recently started to understand them.
2001) and naturally occurring
plant toxins (Beier and Nigg 1994; Wood 1979).
At CSIRO Livestock Industries' Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), scientists ate taking a proteomic approach to understanding Johne's disease in sheep and cattle; deadly viruses called Hendra and Nipah, which have been discovered in fruit bats; and the effects of
plant toxins on grazing animals.
While a genetically modified plant and a regular plant may have the same profile for
plant toxins, it's possible genetically modified plants "could also contain unexpected high concentrations of plant toxicants," Matthews wrote.
Though no scientifically valid study has shown that altered foods are toxic, some researchers believe it's possible that genetic manipulation could enhance natural
plant toxins in unexpected ways.
The program for the evening was entitled 'Artificial Chromosomes and
Plant Toxins as Therapeutic Agents'.
