What is the name of the toxin found in this seed/bean and its mechanism of toxicity?
Answer
Name: Jequirity bean or rosary pea (Abrius precatorius)
Toxin: Abrin (toxalbumin)
Mechanism of toxicity:
Abrin is a toxin that is similar to ricin in structure and mechanism.
It is a dimer with A and B-chains.
B-chain facilitates entry into the cell (via endocytosis)
A-chain inhibit protein synthesis by inhibition of ribosome 60S
Exposure
Ingestion (most common): The bean/pea must be chewed or grinded, which releases Abrin, to cause toxicity. Whole bean/pea ingestion without breaking its shell is non-toxic
