The structures of some peptides from bee venom.

The sequences are given of two peptides (secapin and melittin F) whose isolation from the venom of the common European honey bee (Apis mellifera) has previously been described [Gauldie et al. (1976) Eur. J. Biochem. 61, 369--376]. Some structural studies on the known peptide 401 (MCD peptide) are described. The positions of the two disulphide bridges in peptide 401 have been determined by (an essentially) novel method.