Ricin molecule, artwork C017 / 3648
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Ricin molecule, artwork C017 / 3648
Ricin molecule Computer artwork showing the structure of a molecule of the toxic protein ricin (blue and yellow) with an active ribosome in the background. Ricin comprises two entwined amino acid chains; A (yellow) and B (blue). The A-chain is toxic, inhibiting protein synthesis in ribosomes containing depurinated 28S RNA (ribonucleic acid) and causing cell death. It is carried into cells by the non-toxic B-chain, which is able to bind to the cell surface. 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
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9229965
© RAMON ANDRADE 3DCIENCIA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
A Chain Acids Amino Acid Amino Acids B Chain Bioterror Bioterrorism Catalyst Catalytic Cellular Chain Chemical Agent Composition Compound Compounds Deadly Dimer Enzymatic Enzyme Glycosidase Heterodimer Heterodimeric Inactivating Inactivator Inhibiting Inhibition Inhibitor Lectin Lethal Macromolecule Molecules Organic Poison Poisonous Protein Synthesis Proteomics Quaternary Ribosome Ricin Ricinus Communis Structural Terrorism Tertiary Structure Toxic Toxin Weapon Biochemical Biochemistry Molecular Model Protein
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate structure of the ricin molecule, a toxic protein that can be used as a deadly weapon. The artwork depicts the blue and yellow entwined amino acid chains of ricin, with an active ribosome in the background. The A-chain, represented in yellow, is highly toxic and disrupts protein synthesis in ribosomes containing depurinated 28S RNA, leading to cell death. On the other hand, the non-toxic B-chain (blue) acts as a carrier, binding to cell surfaces and facilitating ricin's entry into cells. Derived from castor oil plant seeds (Ricinus communis), ricin is easily accessible for potential misuse by bioterrorists due to its potent toxicity. Shockingly, even less than a milligram of this lethal substance is sufficient to kill an adult. Inhalation of ricin causes severe symptoms such as coughing, pulmonary edema, and ultimately leads to death. Ingestion results in gastroenteritis along with liver and kidney damage. The image highlights not only the structural composition of this dangerous compound but also emphasizes its biochemical properties as an inhibitor and toxin. It serves as a reminder of how advances in molecular modeling enable us to better understand these complex macromolecules at a cellular level.
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