Biology Essay on Ribosomes
Cell Bio Bites Topic: Ribosomal Function and Ricin
Relevance of Ricin and Ribosomes
Relevance of Ricin and Ribosomes
Most foods from the four food groups contain protein. Protein is manufactured by the ribosome. In contrast to ribosomes, ricin breaks up proteins and blocks protein synthesis. In that perspective, ribosomes can be seen helpful and ricin as useless and lethal to a somatic cell. Luckily, since ricin can stop protein synthesis, ricin is being experimented to block diseases’ protein synthesis. After blocking the disease cells, ricin needs to be controlled from harming the somatic cells. Through understanding ricin and ribosomal function, the scientific community is creating ways to control and maximize ricin’s potential.
Ricin and ribosomes are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Ribosomes play a vital role in the continuation of life on this planet. Proteins consisting of amino acids are an essential component of life. Ribosomes are responsible for assembling these very important structures. On the other hand, ricin inhibits protein synthesis (Krieger 2010). Relatively comparing, a dose the size of a few tablespoons can kill a human (Krieger 2010). Thus, ricin can be considered detrimental to life. With ricin and ribosome being polar opposite, scientists try to apply the ricin’s capabilities in a positive direction.
Ricin’s ability to disrupt amino acids chains can be used in medical treatments. In theory, ricin can be used to help stop protein synthesis in cancer cells. Cancer cells typically express telomerase, enabling them to continue dividing when normal human cells would stop (Alberts, Bray, Hopkin, Johnson, Lewis, Raff, Roberts, and Walter 2010). Ricin can help disrupt the components of telomerase and stop the cancer from spreading. However, for the process to be viable doctors must be able control ricin from killing the rest of the body after ricin dismantles diseased cells. Therefore, the scientific community must understand
Relevance of Ricin and Ribosomes
Relevance of Ricin and Ribosomes
Most foods from the four food groups contain protein. Protein is manufactured by the ribosome. In contrast to ribosomes, ricin breaks up proteins and blocks protein synthesis. In that perspective, ribosomes can be seen helpful and ricin as useless and lethal to a somatic cell. Luckily, since ricin can stop protein synthesis, ricin is being experimented to block diseases’ protein synthesis. After blocking the disease cells, ricin needs to be controlled from harming the somatic cells. Through understanding ricin and ribosomal function, the scientific community is creating ways to control and maximize ricin’s potential.
Ricin and ribosomes are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Ribosomes play a vital role in the continuation of life on this planet. Proteins consisting of amino acids are an essential component of life. Ribosomes are responsible for assembling these very important structures. On the other hand, ricin inhibits protein synthesis (Krieger 2010). Relatively comparing, a dose the size of a few tablespoons can kill a human (Krieger 2010). Thus, ricin can be considered detrimental to life. With ricin and ribosome being polar opposite, scientists try to apply the ricin’s capabilities in a positive direction.
Ricin’s ability to disrupt amino acids chains can be used in medical treatments. In theory, ricin can be used to help stop protein synthesis in cancer cells. Cancer cells typically express telomerase, enabling them to continue dividing when normal human cells would stop (Alberts, Bray, Hopkin, Johnson, Lewis, Raff, Roberts, and Walter 2010). Ricin can help disrupt the components of telomerase and stop the cancer from spreading. However, for the process to be viable doctors must be able control ricin from killing the rest of the body after ricin dismantles diseased cells. Therefore, the scientific community must understand
Cited: B. Alberts, D. Bray, K. Hopkin, A. Johnson, J. Lewis, M. Raff, K. Roberts, and P. Walter. (2010). Cancer. Essential Cell Biology, Third Edition, 717-724. R. Krieger. (2010). Ricin. Hayes’ Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology, Third Edition, 196. Retrieved from http://lev-lista.hu/archattach?l=toxikologus&m=20120510135213661&a=1.13 Wahome, PG., Ahlawat, S., & Mantis, NJ. (2012). Identification of Small Molecules That Suppress Ricin-Induced Stress-Activated Signaling Pathways. Inhibitors of Ricin-Induced Stress Signaling, 7(11), 1-8. Retrieved from http:// www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/pmc/articles/PMC3486792/pdf/pone.0049075.pdf