Cellular Secrets of Python Digestion

Ever wonder how snakes not only swallow their prey whole, but metabolize all that hair and bone? Scientists studying the stomachs of Burmese pythons found some pretty amazing things.

Researchers monitored changes in the python gut after feeding. They observed drastic morphological changes, which coincided with a rapid increase in body temperature. Cell replication and death were sparked soon after feeding, as new cells were produced and worn out cells eliminated. In this way the stomach and intestine re-modelled themselves in anticipation of the next fasting and feeding periods.

The researchers also discovered a cell that breaks down bone and sends calcium into the bloodstream. This bit of metabolic efficiency allows pythons to eat less frequently -- and, of course, helps make "python eating medium-sized mammal in one bite" an archetypal feature of wildlife documentaries.

Making no bones about it -- digestion in Burmese pythons [press release]

*Note: Thanks to Ottie for the picture. And speaking of pictures, here's one of a Burmese python that ate an alligator whole. *