Mortal poison: Understanding Snake Venom and How It Works

Cytotoxins are poisonous substances that destroy body cells. Cytotoxins lead to the death of most or all of the cells in a tissue or organ, a condition known as necrosis. Some tissue may experience liquefactive necrosis in which the tissue is partially or completely liquefied. Cytotoxins help to partially digest the prey before it is even eaten. Cytotoxins are usually specific to the type of cell they impact.