Journal Article Assignment
Name: Elaine Lieu ID: 20624252 Section: 112 TA: Jocelyn Chan
Cell Bio Bites Topic: Ribosomal Function and Ricin – Why is this product of castor beans so lethal?
Define the key terms (scientific words) in your own words. (notes or textbook can be used as sources)
Ricin toxin A (RTA) → toxic protein from seeds of castor plants. Subunit A depurinates adenine in cells
Mutants → The process of a gene or chromosome being altered
Apoptosis → cell suicide
Cell signaling → oversees cellular activities and directs cell actions
Signal transduction → Process where a signal from outside of the cell changes something within the cell
Ribosome depurination → In N-glycosidic link leading to the loss of a purine base while leaving the DNA backbone unharmed …show more content…
Are there potential medical or commercial applications?
Ricin is a toxic protein that is found in the seeds of castor plants. This toxin inhibits protein synthesis and disables ribosomes by altering the adenine in rRNAs harming mammal cells. It currently has no approved antidotes. Ricin may also be a benefit as well. It can be used as a weapon in biological systems such as being used to treat tumors and AIDS. the article:
Included with its effects of inhibiting protein synthesis, ricin also causes apoptosis in different cell types. However, previous studies with ricin failed to prove that the depurination of ribosomes and protein synthesis inhibition is linked with death of cells.
What was the objective of the study?
The objective was to determine the relationship between ricin toxin A (RTA) mutants in cells and how they reacted to cause protein synthesis inhibition, apoptosis, and cell signaling.
What is one animal model / experimental system used in this
Name: Elaine Lieu ID: 20624252 Section: 112 TA: Jocelyn Chan
Cell Bio Bites Topic: Ribosomal Function and Ricin – Why is this product of castor beans so lethal?
Define the key terms (scientific words) in your own words. (notes or textbook can be used as sources)
Ricin toxin A (RTA) → toxic protein from seeds of castor plants. Subunit A depurinates adenine in cells
Mutants → The process of a gene or chromosome being altered
Apoptosis → cell suicide
Cell signaling → oversees cellular activities and directs cell actions
Signal transduction → Process where a signal from outside of the cell changes something within the cell
Ribosome depurination → In N-glycosidic link leading to the loss of a purine base while leaving the DNA backbone unharmed …show more content…
Are there potential medical or commercial applications?
Ricin is a toxic protein that is found in the seeds of castor plants. This toxin inhibits protein synthesis and disables ribosomes by altering the adenine in rRNAs harming mammal cells. It currently has no approved antidotes. Ricin may also be a benefit as well. It can be used as a weapon in biological systems such as being used to treat tumors and AIDS. the article:
Included with its effects of inhibiting protein synthesis, ricin also causes apoptosis in different cell types. However, previous studies with ricin failed to prove that the depurination of ribosomes and protein synthesis inhibition is linked with death of cells.
What was the objective of the study?
The objective was to determine the relationship between ricin toxin A (RTA) mutants in cells and how they reacted to cause protein synthesis inhibition, apoptosis, and cell signaling.
What is one animal model / experimental system used in this