Biochemical properties of ricin in immature castor seed

Nat Prod Res. 2008 May 10;22(7):600-6. doi: 10.1080/14786410701602593.

Abstract

The biochemical properties of ricin at different stages of seed i.e. from immature to mature seed were studied. Hemagglutination, SDS-PAGE and UV-spectrometry studies showed total absence of RCA protein in the immature seed. Interestingly, ricin extract on SDS-PAGE showed only one protein band with a molecular weight of 29,000 dalton corresponding to the molecular weight of A chain of ricin. Our results have shown that at immature seed level only the toxic moiety of ricin (A chain) is being synthesized first and gradually the RCA and B chain of ricin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Germination
  • Ricin / analysis*
  • Ricinus communis / chemistry*
  • Ricinus communis / growth & development
  • Seeds / chemistry
  • Seeds / growth & development

Substances

  • Ricin