Biotinylated Ricinus Communis Agglutinin II (RCA II, RCA60 , ricin)

TOXIC! This product is not available for purchase on-line. Please call Vector Laboratories for ordering information.



Ricinus communis agglutinin II is an extremely toxic glycoprotein consisting of two disulfide-linked chains of about 28 kDa and 32 kDa, termed A and B chain, respectively. The B chain can bind to cell surfaces via galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine residues of membrane glycoconjugates and facilitates the transport of the lectin into the cell. The A chain has an enzyme activity which can catalytically block protein synthesis and is so toxic that only a single molecule of A chain is required to kill a cell. Alone, the A chain is incapable of entering the cell and is thus not toxic.



RCA II appears to be a family of related lectins with different toxicities. Our RCA II is the most toxic lectin of this family, probably ricin D, having an I.P. L.D₅₀ in 20 g mice of less than 50 ng.



Biotinylated Ricinus communis agglutinin II has an appropriate number of biotins bound to provide the optimum staining characteristics for this lectin. This conjugate is supplied essentially free of unconjugated biotins and is preserved with sodium sodium azide.



This biotinylated lectin is an ideal intermediate for examining glycoconjugates using the Biotin-Avidin/Streptavidin System. First the biotinylated lectin is added, followed by the VECTASTAIN^® ABC Reagent, Avidin D conjugate, or streptavidin derivative.



Inhibiting/Eluting Sugar: 200 mM galactose or lactose



Please note: Due to the toxicity of this product, special packaging is required and there is an additional shipping charge, sold in USA only.