scorpionfish
Guest
Hi, Cherry!
The answer to your question is a firm MAYBE! The major constituent of bee sting venom is a protein, and the major constituent of fire coral venon is a protien, as well.
However, these two species deliver a different protein in the "cocktails" that are their respective venoms. And even though they are both invertebrates, they are so far apart on the evolutionary path that any relationship is coincidental. Ceolenterates, which corals are, are very low on the evolutionary "chart" compared to the very complex species that bees are.
It is true though, that in nature many of the toxins that animals deliver are proteins. The reasons are manifold, but one of the most important is that many proteins can act as enzymes, natural catalysts, that do such things a break up molecules in the attacked species. And many of said are vital to certain functions. Amongst the most dangerous venom-proteins are neurotoxins that stop nerves from working, a very bad thing if such nerves are responsible for, say, breathing!
At any rate, it is not clear that alergic reaction to bees means an alergic reaction to fire coral. That said, the reaction to fire coral is bad enough for most people to warrant care. I never dive w/o full body protection--that means gloves and no shorty wetsuits.
Finally, as indicated by Doc Vikingo, the color and form of fire corals are quite varied. In my experiece, I have seen more fire coral that is greyish and almost looks like dead coral than any other color. As to form or shape, since fire coral is a kind of parasite that takes over the surface of a host coral, it comes in all sorts of shapes! The message: "Don't toucha my coral or I stinga you body!" I.e., it is a good idea not to touch anything u/w unless it is for a very good reason!
Scorpionfish--don't touch me either!
The answer to your question is a firm MAYBE! The major constituent of bee sting venom is a protein, and the major constituent of fire coral venon is a protien, as well.
However, these two species deliver a different protein in the "cocktails" that are their respective venoms. And even though they are both invertebrates, they are so far apart on the evolutionary path that any relationship is coincidental. Ceolenterates, which corals are, are very low on the evolutionary "chart" compared to the very complex species that bees are.
It is true though, that in nature many of the toxins that animals deliver are proteins. The reasons are manifold, but one of the most important is that many proteins can act as enzymes, natural catalysts, that do such things a break up molecules in the attacked species. And many of said are vital to certain functions. Amongst the most dangerous venom-proteins are neurotoxins that stop nerves from working, a very bad thing if such nerves are responsible for, say, breathing!
At any rate, it is not clear that alergic reaction to bees means an alergic reaction to fire coral. That said, the reaction to fire coral is bad enough for most people to warrant care. I never dive w/o full body protection--that means gloves and no shorty wetsuits.
Finally, as indicated by Doc Vikingo, the color and form of fire corals are quite varied. In my experiece, I have seen more fire coral that is greyish and almost looks like dead coral than any other color. As to form or shape, since fire coral is a kind of parasite that takes over the surface of a host coral, it comes in all sorts of shapes! The message: "Don't toucha my coral or I stinga you body!" I.e., it is a good idea not to touch anything u/w unless it is for a very good reason!
Scorpionfish--don't touch me either!
