Basic polypeptide from the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). It contains 26 amino acids, has cytolytic properties, causes contracture of muscle, releases histamine, and disrupts surface tension, probably due to lysis of cell and mitochondrial membranes.

Synonyms: 20449-79-0, Melittin, Mellitin, Melittin (honeybee), Melitten