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Source: The post on Budgett Frog is based on the article “Budget Frog: Protein from this can block enzymes of disease-causing pathogens” published in “The Hindu” on 10th December 2023
Why in the News?
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science(IISc) found that peptides in Budgett frog skin can fight harmful enzymes produced by disease-causing pathogens.
What are the peptides found in Budgett Frog that can fight harmful enzymes?
1) Researchers have found a peptide called LL-TIL in the skin secretions of Budgett’s frog.
2) This peptide can block the action of two important enzymes called subtilisin carlsberg and proteinase K produced by harmful pathogens.
3) These enzymes help pathogens break down protective proteins in the body, making it easier for them to cause infection.
What is Budgett Frog?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it | It is a species of frog which belongs to the horned frog family, Ceratophryidae. |
| Scientific Name | Lepidobatrachus laevis |
| Found in | Gran Chaco region of South America which spans across Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. |
| IUCN Status | Least Concern |
| Characteristics | 1) The size of females are larger than males. 2) They are primarily nocturnal, spending most of the day submerged in water or mud. 3) During the dry season, they burrow in the mud and cocoon themselves until the rains return. |
| Significance | It is kept as a pet in many countries because of their intelligent behavior. |
What are Peptides?
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
