Context:
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science’s (IISc) have identified that peptides (short protein) produced from Budgett’s frog can combat enzymes of disease causing pathogens.
Findings:
- Peptide can block the action of two important enzymes called subtilisin Carlsberg and proteinase K produced by harmful pathogens.
- These enzymes help pathogens break down protective proteins in the body, making it easier for them to cause infection.
About Budgett Frog:
- Common names – Hippo Frog / Freddie Kruger Frog.
- Habitat – Inland waters in Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia.
- Being carnivorous, they mainly feed on other frogs (particularly tadpoles), snails and insects.
- Growing condition –
- During dry season, it remains in burrows and they will shed skin layers from to form a waterproof cocoon to keep them moist.
- In rainy season, it will go back into the water to breed and feed.
- Characteristics –
- Highly intelligent and very aggressive.
- When frightened, they inflate themselves, stand up on their short legs and attack the potential with an open huge mouth followed up by a high-pitched scream.
- Do not have teeth
- Have two sharp-edged structures in the jaws.
- Protection status – Least Concern in the IUCN Red List.
Frogs are the 1stvertebrates to conquer the land and because of this, they have developed a defensive mechanism through their skin to generally combat the microorganisms and other harmful things.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Which of the following organisms perform a waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Butterflies
(b) Dragonflies
(c) Honey Bees
(d) Wasps
Answer: (c)