How Do You Spell ABRIN?

Pronunciation: [ɐbɹˈɪn] (IPA)

The word "Abrin" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /əˈbrɪn/. This word represents a toxic protein found in the seeds of the Abrus precatorius plant. The first syllable, "a", is pronounced as the unstressed schwa sound, while "bri" is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The final syllable, "n", is pronounced with a nasal "n" sound. The proper spelling of this word is important to avoid confusion with other words that may sound similar but have different meanings.

ABRIN Meaning and Definition

1. Abrin is a deadly toxic protein derived from the seeds of the Abrus precatorius plant, also known as Jequirity bean or Rosary pea. It is classified as one of the most potent plant toxins known to mankind. Abrin belongs to a class of toxins called ribosome-inactivating proteins, which disrupt protein synthesis within cells leading to cell death.

   In its natural form, abrin is found as a stable heterodimer, consisting of two protein subunits named A and B. The B subunit acts as a binding moiety that facilitates the attachment of the toxin to specific cell surface receptors, while the A subunit is responsible for inhibiting protein synthesis within the target cells. Once the toxin enters the cells, it undergoes processing and the A subunit is released, thereby exerting its toxic effects.

   Even minute amounts of abrin can be lethal if ingested, inhaled, or injected. Symptoms of abrin poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, organ failure and death. There is currently no specific antidote for abrin poisoning, hence treatment mainly focuses on supportive care and alleviating symptoms.

   Abrin has garnered considerable attention due to its potential use as a bioweapon. Its stability, high toxicity, and the relative ease of obtaining abrin-containing seeds make it an attractive option for malicious intent. Consequently, strict regulations and security measures are in place to restrict access to abrin, promoting public safety and preventing its misuse.

2. Jequiritin, a specific poison, analogous to the bacterial toxins, occurring in jequirity seeds (Abrus precatorius).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ABRIN

• Abrian
• abran
• Abren
• abrain
• abrinne
• abrine
• zbrin
• wbrin
• qbrin
• abein
• abfin
• ab5in
• ab4in
• abrjn
• abrkn
• abr9n
• abr8n
• abrib
• azbrin
• awbrin

Etymology of ABRIN

The word "abrin" is derived from the name of the plant from which it is extracted, known as "Abrus precatorius". The etymology of the plant's scientific name can be traced back to several sources. The genus name "Abrus" comes from the Greek word "abrus", which refers to a leguminous plant. The specific epithet "precatorius" is derived from the Latin word "precator", meaning "supplicant" or "beggar", likely because the seeds were historically used for prayer beads and were associated with religious rituals. Over time, "Abrus precatorius" became known as "abrin", the name specifically used for the poisonous component found in the seeds of the plant.