Editing Lectin (section)

===In biochemical warfare===
One example of the powerful biological attributes of lectins is the biochemical warfare agent ricin. The protein ricin is isolated from seeds of the [[castor oil plant]] and comprises two [[protein domains]]. [[Abrin]] from the [[Rosary pea|jequirity pea]] is similar:
* One domain is a lectin that binds cell surface galactosyl residues and enables the protein to enter cells.
* The second domain is an N-[[glycosidase]] that cleaves nucleobases from ribosomal RNA, resulting in inhibition of protein synthesis and cell death.