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ricin
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Ricin
Extremely poisonous extract from the seeds of the castor-oil plant. When incorporated into monoclonal antibodies, ricin can attack cancer cells, particularly in the treatment of lymphoma and leukaemia.
Ricin acquired notoriety in 1978, when Georgi Markov, an exiled Bulgarian dissident queuing at a London bus stop, was hit by an umbrella spiked with this poison and died within hours. A few similar cases have been reported since. Because of its extremely high toxicity – the LD50 or half-lethal dosis is estimated to lie in the milligram range – and its relatively straightforward production from the castor bean, this toxin is a major issue in crime prevention.
© Research Machines plc 2008. All rights reserved. Helicon Publishing is a division of Research Machines plc.
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The flag was introduced by Hassan II, the Bey of Tunisia. Red is an Islamic colour. Effective date: c. 1835.
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