Which organism produces Conotoxin?

• A. Cone snails
• B. Jellyfish
• C. Sharks
• D. Crabs

Answer: (A)

Conotoxins are peptide toxins produced by cone snails, small marine mollusks that use their venom to immobilize prey and defend themselves. The snail delivers these potent toxins through a specialized harpoon-like tooth, injecting venom directly into fish or other prey. Conotoxins are highly selective for neural targets, often blocking or modulating ion channels (like sodium, calcium, or potassium) and receptors in the nervous system, which leads to rapid paralysis. The term conotoxin is specific to toxins from cone snails, which is why these organisms are the correct source.

Jellyfish have venom from cnidocytes with different toxin molecules, sharks and crabs produce other venom components, but not conotoxins. Understanding that conotoxins come from cone snails helps explain why this option is the best answer.