Fasciculin

Fasciculins are a class of toxic proteins found in the venom of certain snakes, notably some species of mamba (genus Dendroaspis, family Elapidae). Investigations have revealed distinct forms in some green mamba venoms, in particular FAS1 and FAS2 Fasciculins are so-called as they cause intense fasciculation in the muscle fascicles of susceptible organisms, such as in the snakes’ preferred avian or squamate prey. This effect incapacitates the prey’s muscles, likely killing it quickly (depending on the animal’s size) or paralyzing it sufficiently so as to be apprehended and swallowed by the snake.