Ricin molecule, artwork C017 / 3650
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Ricin molecule, artwork C017 / 3650
Ricin molecule. Computer artwork showing the structure of a molecule of the toxic protein ricin. Ricin comprises two entwined amino acid chains; A (yellow) and B (blue). The A-chain is toxic, inhibiting protein synthesis in cells 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 damage and death from circulatory failure. There is no antidote
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9340519
© 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 Ricin Ricinus Communis Secondary Structure Structural Terrorism Tertiary Structure Toxic Toxin Weapon Biochemical Biochemistry Molecular Model Protein
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate structure of the toxic protein ricin, beautifully captured through computer artwork. The molecule is composed of two intertwined amino acid chains, A and B, depicted in vibrant yellow and blue colors respectively. While the non-toxic B-chain facilitates cell entry by binding to the cell surface, it is the toxic A-chain that disrupts protein synthesis within cells, ultimately leading to their demise. Derived from castor oil plant seeds (Ricinus communis), ricin poses a grave threat as a potential bioterrorist weapon due to its lethal properties. Shockingly, less than a milligram of this deadly substance can prove fatal for an adult. Inhalation of ricin results in coughing, pulmonary edema, and death while ingestion causes gastroenteritis along with severe liver and kidney damage often culminating in circulatory failure. The absence of any known antidote further amplifies the danger associated with this poison. This image serves as a stark reminder of how nature's compounds can be harnessed for nefarious purposes if fallen into wrong hands. Through this visually striking representation, RAMON ANDRADE 3DCIENCIA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY effectively captures both the beauty and treachery inherent within ricin's molecular structure. Its detailed portrayal offers valuable insights into biochemical processes such as inhibition and enzymatic activity while also shedding light on proteomics research.
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