PEANUT LECTIN Meaning and
Definition
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Peanut lectin, also known as peanut agglutinin (PNA), is a type of protein that is derived from peanuts. It is a plant lectin, which refers to proteins that have the ability to bind to specific carbohydrate molecules. Peanut lectin specifically targets carbohydrates that contain the sugar molecule galactose.
In terms of its structure, peanut lectin is composed of two subunits that are held together by disulfide bonds. It has a strong affinity for sugars containing galactose, especially those found on the surface of certain types of cells. When peanut lectin binds to these carbohydrates, it can cause them to agglutinate or clump together.
Peanut lectin has been widely studied for its biological properties and potential applications. It has been used as a tool in laboratory research to study cell surface carbohydrates and their interactions. Additionally, peanut lectin has shown potential as a diagnostic tool, as it can be used to detect specific glycans present on cancer cells.
However, peanut lectin is also considered to be a potentially harmful substance for humans. It is resistant to digestion and can cause an allergic reaction in individuals who are allergic to peanuts. For this reason, it is important for individuals with peanut allergies to avoid any contact or ingestion of peanut lectin.
Common Misspellings for PEANUT LECTIN
- oeanut lectin
- leanut lectin
- -eanut lectin
- 0eanut lectin
- pwanut lectin
- psanut lectin
- pdanut lectin
- pranut lectin
- p4anut lectin
- p3anut lectin
- peznut lectin
- pesnut lectin
- pewnut lectin
- peqnut lectin
- peabut lectin
- peamut lectin
- peajut lectin
- peahut lectin
- peanyt lectin
- peanht lectin
Etymology of PEANUT LECTIN
The etymology of the term "Peanut Lectin" can be broken down as follows:
1. Peanut: The word "peanut" originates from the 18th-century English word "pea" which described a small, round seed. The word "nut" was added to indicate that it had similar characteristics to a nut. The plant with this seed is a member of the Fabaceae family, commonly known as the legume or pea family.
2. Lectin: The term "lectin" originates from the Latin word "lectus" meaning "to select" or "to choose". It was coined by the German scientist Wilhelm Ludwig in 1888 to describe certain proteins found in plants that selectively bind to specific carbohydrates or sugars and agglutinate cells. Lectins have various functions in nature, including being involved in plant defense against predators.
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