AMANITINE Meaning and
Definition
-
Amanitine is a naturally occurring toxic compound found in various species of mushrooms, particularly in the genus Amanita. It is classified as a bicyclic peptide and is known for its potent and deadly effects on living organisms. Amanitine is composed of eight amino acids arranged in a unique cyclic structure, which contributes to its toxicity.
When ingested, amanitine interferes with the normal functioning of cells by inhibiting RNA polymerase II, an essential enzyme involved in the production of proteins. This inhibition disrupts the transcription process and prevents the synthesis of crucial proteins necessary for cell survival. As a result, multiple organ systems, such as the liver and kidneys, can suffer severe damage, leading to organ failure and, in extreme cases, death.
Due to its extreme toxicity, amanitine is responsible for a significant number of mushroom poisonings worldwide. Symptoms of amanitine poisoning often include gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which can progress to liver and kidney failure. The toxicity of amanitine necessitates immediate and aggressive medical intervention, such as administration of supportive therapies and possibly a liver transplant.
Although amanitine is highly toxic, it has also shown potential in certain medical applications. Researchers have been exploring its use in targeted cancer therapies, as its ability to inhibit RNA polymerase II could selectively disrupt the growth of cancer cells. However, its high toxicity and potential damaging effects on healthy cells limit its therapeutic applicability and necessitate further research.
-
An alkaloid derived from poisonous species of Amanita or Agaricus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AMANITINE
- zmanitine
- smanitine
- wmanitine
- qmanitine
- ananitine
- akanitine
- ajanitine
- amznitine
- amsnitine
- amwnitine
- amqnitine
- amabitine
- amamitine
- amajitine
- amahitine
- amanutine
- amanjtine
- amanktine
- amanotine
Etymology of AMANITINE
The word "Amanitine" is derived from the genus name "Amanita", which refers to a group of fungi commonly known as the Amanita mushrooms. Amanita mushrooms are well-known for containing various toxins, including the deadly compound "amanitin", from which the term "Amanitine" is derived. The suffix "-ine" in chemistry often indicates a compound as it is commonly used for alkaloids or chemical substances, hence "Amanitine" represents a chemical compound found in Amanita mushrooms.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
