- Ricin is a toxic glycoprotein found in the seed of the
castor bean plant. The toxin has two protein chains.
The larger chain facilitates entry of the smaller protein by
attaching to the cell surface. The smaller chain
attacks the ribosome and inhibits cellular protein synthesis
leading to cell death.
- Ricin is toxic by all routes: inhalation, injection, and
ingestion but seems least toxic when ingested.
- Ricin is extracted from castor beans during castor oil
production. About 1million tons of castor beans are
processed each year. Ricin accounts for 5% by weight
of the waste mash from the castor oil production.
- Ricin is soluble in water. As a powder, ricin is
less stable at higher temperatures and increasing humidity.
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