Snake venom phospholipase A2 has a high enzymatic activity and produces moderate myonecrosis in skeletal muscle, but shows no neuromuscular activity in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. PLA2 catalyzes the calcium-dependent hydrolysis of the 2-acyl groups in 3-sn-phosphoglycerides. a 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine + H2O = a 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine + a fatty acid + H(+) Binds 1 Ca(2+) ion per subunit. Inhibited by crotapotin. Optimum pH is 8.2. Optimum temperature is 35-45 degrees Celsius. Can form dimers, trimers and tetramers. Expressed by the venom gland. Contains seven disulfide bonds. Belongs to the phospholipase A2 family. Group II subfamily.