March 31, 2008: Abrus

[xoxoxoBruce]

Abrus seed pod: "one of the components of this seed is one of the most toxic substances in nature. If it reach the blood, a few micrograms (1/1000000 g) is enough to die. It is similar to ricin (from castor oil plant) used to kill a soviet spy in London by an umbrella.

OK, let's see a recipe for this one.

[skysidhe]

'They'll' ( the feds ) be knocking on your door now!

[Cicero]

Heh. I just like the photo.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Cicero

Heh. I just like the photo.

Yeah, me too.

[corydodt]

This plant has evolved to say, "Do not fuck with my seeds."

[Sundae]

Very Maori.

[spudcon]

I know, I know, but I couldn't resist.

[SPUCK]

I never get how 1/1000000 g of something can kill you! What is that, one atom per 100 million cells??

[xoxoxoBruce]

From Wiki

The toxin present in Abrus precatorius is a close relative to ricin called abrin. It is a dimer consisting of two protein subunits, termed A and B. The B chain facillitates abrin's entry into a cell by bonding to certain transport proteins on cell membranes, which then transport the toxin into the cell. Once inside the cell, the A chain prevents protein synthesis by inactivating the 26S subunit of the ribosome. One molecule of abrin will inactivate up to 1,500 ribosomes per second. Symptoms are identical to those of ricin, except that the fatal dose of ricin is approximately 75 times greater than the fatal dose of abrin. Abrin can kill with a circulating amount of less than 3 μg (micrograms).

The seeds of Abrus precatorius are much valued in native jewelry for their bright coloration. The third of the bean with the hilum (attachment scar) is black, while the rest is bright red, suggesting a ladybug. Jewelry-making with jequirity seeds is dangerous, and there have been cases of death by a finger-prick while boring the seeds for beadwork. However, it has long been a symbol of love in China.

[Sheldonrs]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

From Wiki

Just what I thought...Love=Death.

[Cicero]

Originally Posted by Sheldonrs

Just what I thought...Love=Death.

Can you say Bindeez love you long time?

~snip~However, it has long been a symbol of love in China. ~snippy~

[Electrophile]

Originally Posted by SPUCK

I never get how 1/1000000 g of something can kill you! What is that, one atom per 100 million cells??

Assuming 100 trillion cells are in your body, one micrograms of albin is about 500 molecules per cell. And because it's an enzyme, it is not used up when it stops the ribosome. So once inside a cell, one molecule could kill that cell.

[Gravdigr]

Yikes.

[rupip]

god - allah - zeus - jehova - brahman- evolution ... whathever it is
- she or he or it is definitly the greatest designer ever !

I also love the design of poisonous frogs or snails.

[SPUCK]

Originally Posted by Electrophile

Assuming 100 trillion cells are in your body, one micrograms of albin is about 500 molecules per cell. And because it's an enzyme, it is not used up when it stops the ribosome. So once inside a cell, one molecule could kill that cell.

Thanks makes more sense now. Like Flourocarbons in the Ozone layer.

Thanks too Bruce for the poison info.