Question

The poison ricin, derived from the castor bean plant, interferes with the protein synthesis. Which formed elements of blood would ricin affect directly? Are there any formed elements in the blood that ricin would not affect? explain

Answer 1

It would affect basically any protein in the blood serum. Things like Hemoglobin (is activated when oxygen is bound to it), Albumin (maintains osmotic pressure and transports insoluble molecules), Globulins (immune system and T-cells), and fibrinogens (coagulation). It won't however affect RBC's and platelets as they lack a nucleus and proteins