Ricin molecule, artwork C017 / 3652
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Ricin molecule, artwork C017 / 3652
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 9341515
© 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 Structure 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 toxic protein ricin, beautifully depicted through computer artwork. The molecule consists of two intertwined amino acid chains, namely A (yellow) and B (blue). While the A-chain is highly toxic and capable of inhibiting protein synthesis in cells, leading to cell death, it relies on the non-toxic B-chain to enter cells by binding to their surface. Derived from castor oil plant seeds (Ricinus communis), ricin poses a grave threat as a potential bioterrorist weapon due to its ease of use. Shockingly, even less than a milligram can prove fatal for an adult. Inhalation of ricin causes severe symptoms like coughing, pulmonary edema, and ultimately leads to death. Ingestion results in gastroenteritis along with liver and kidney damage that eventually culminates in circulatory failure. It is crucial to note that there is currently no antidote available for ricin poisoning. This image serves as a reminder of the lethal power possessed by this compound while shedding light on its biochemical properties such as being an inhibitor and glycosidase lectin. Created by RAMON ANDRADE 3DCIENCIA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, this artwork not only highlights the structural composition but also emphasizes the importance of understanding such deadly toxins for research purposes aimed at developing countermeasures against bioterrorism threats.
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