Ricin

Ricin
Ricin structure (PDB: 2AAI​). The A chain is shown in blue and the B chain in orange.
Identifiers
OrganismRicinus communis
SymbolRCOM_2159910
Entrez8287993
RefSeq (mRNA)XM_002534603.1
RefSeq (Prot)XP_002534649.1
UniProtP02879
Other data
EC number3.2.2.22
Chromosomewhole genome: 0 - 0.01 Mb
Search for
StructuresSwiss-model
DomainsInterPro
Ribosome-inactivating protein (Ricin A chain)
Identifiers
SymbolRIP
PfamPF00161
InterProIPR001574
PROSITEPDOC00248
SCOP21paf / SCOPe / SUPFAM
Available protein structures:
Pfam  structures / ECOD  
PDBRCSB PDB; PDBe; PDBj
PDBsumstructure summary
Ricin-type beta-trefoil lectin domain (Ricin B chain)
Identifiers
SymbolN/A
PfamPF00652
Pfam clanCL0066
PROSITEIPR000772
SCOP21abr / SCOPe / SUPFAM
CAZyCBM13
CDDcd00161
Available protein structures:
Pfam  structures / ECOD  
PDBRCSB PDB; PDBe; PDBj
PDBsumstructure summary

Ricin (/ˈraɪsɪn/ RY-sin) is a lectin (a carbohydrate-binding protein) and a highly potent toxin produced in the seeds of the castor oil plant, Ricinus communis. The median lethal dose (LD50) of ricin for mice is around 22 micrograms per kilogram of body weight via intraperitoneal injection. Oral exposure to ricin is far less toxic. An estimated lethal oral dose in humans is approximately one milligram per kilogram of body weight.[1]

Ricin is a toxalbumin and was first described by Peter Hermann Stillmark, the founder of lectinology. Ricin is chemically similar to robin.

  1. ^ "Ricin (from Ricinus communis) as undesirable substances in animal feed-Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain". EFSA Journal. 6 (9). European Food Safety Authority: 726. September 2008. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2008.726.