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Question

What antioagulant/enzyme is present in the saliva of leech which prevents clotting of blood sucking blood?

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Solution

  • The antioagulant/enzyme present in the saliva of leech that prevents the blood from clotting is called Hirudin.
  • Hirudin is a natural peptide present in the salivary glands of leeches that has a blood anticoagulant property.
  • It is an inhibitor of thrombin which converts fibrinogen to fibrin for blood clotting.
  • The anticoagulant property of hirudin allows leeches to suck out blood freely from the body of the host after they attach to their skin.

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