The reason the biosynthesis of this protein is so remarkable is due to the fact that it is synthesized in 30 seconds to 1 minute! The rate of biosynthesis was determined by injecting labeled isoleucine into the venom glands. It can be seen in the primary structure that there are 4 isoleucines in erabutoxin b, one close to the amino terminal end, two in the middle of the protein, and one close to the C-terminal end. By sequencing the protein at different times after injection it was discovered that erabutoxin b is synthesized from the amino-terminal end by regular protein synthesis beginning 30 seconds after injection and is completely synthesized 1 minute after injection.

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