A phylogeny-based comparative analysis of the venom proteome of Australian elapid snakes

This thesis presents original research on the venom composition and pharmacological activity of a large cross-section of Australian snakes. Chapter one includes information on Australian elapid phylogeny and diet, and also gives an overview of the molecular mechanisms of toxin evolution. Chapter two is a literature review synthesizing all the information in the literature on the venom composition of front-fanged snakes (vipers and elapids), globally. This is then interpreted within the context of their evolutionary relationships. Chapter three investigates the degree of intra-specific variation in the venom of the coastal taipan. Chapter four investigates the enzymatic activity of two important toxin groups across a large number of Australian snake species. Chapters five and six present the first published venom proteomes of the southern death adder and the eastern bandy bandy. The final chapter also presents hypotheses regarding what ecological/evolutionary scenarios will result in changes to a snake species venom proteome.