Unconjugated 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.



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.