Ricin. Molecular model of the toxic protein ricin. It comprises two entwined amino acid chains, termed A and B. The A-chain (orange) is toxic, inhibiting protein synthesis in cells. It is carried into cells by the non-toxic B-chain (light blue and blue). Ricin is derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), making it easy to be used as a toxin by bioterrorists. Less than a milligram is enough to kill an adult. Inhaling ricin causes coughing, pulmonary oedema and death. If ingested, it causes gastroenteritis, liver and kidney damage and death from circulatory failure. There is no antidote. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Laguna Design |
Bildgröße: | 5000 px × 3750 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |