lectin
Carbohydrate-binding protein
Lectins are proteins found in plants, animals, and microorganisms that bind specifically to carbohydrates.
They occur abundantly in legumes, grains, and certain vegetables, where they may serve defensive functions against pests.
In nutrition discussions, lectins sometimes attract concern because some varieties can cause digestive distress when consumed raw or undercooked, though proper cooking neutralizes most.
Scientists also use lectins as laboratory tools for studying cell surfaces and blood typing.
Protein bonded to carbohydrates
- specificityExactness of detail
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
- polysaccharideChained sugar molecule
- crystallographyStudy of atomic lattices
Signal-receiving molecule
- endocytosisCell engulfs external material
- fertilizationGamete fusion creating zygote
- embryogenesisFormation of early life
- metastasisCancer spreading beyond origin
Nutrient uptake blocker
- legumesEdible pod-bearing plants
- beansEdible pod seeds
- grainsSmall hard seeds
- soybeansProtein-rich Asian legume
peanuts · lentils · kidney beans · soaking · cooking · sprouting · digestibility · food sensitivity
Destroys or stops mold growth
- insecticidalAble to slay bugs
- symbiosisInterspecies biological interdependence
- nitrogen fixationConverting inert gas to ammonia
Inherited pathogen defense system
- pattern recognitionIdentifying regularities in inputs
- inflammatory responseBody's reaction to injury
- natural killer cellInnate immune lymphocyte targeting infected cells
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
ricin
Toxic castor compound
glycoprotein
Protein bonded to carbohydrates
- specificityExactness of detail
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
- polysaccharideChained sugar molecule
receptor
Signal-receiving molecule
- endocytosisCell engulfs external material
- fertilizationGamete fusion creating zygote
- embryogenesisFormation of early life
antinutrient
Nutrient uptake blocker
soybeans · peanuts · lentils · kidney beans · soaking · cooking · sprouting · digestibility · food sensitivity · elimination diet
antifungal
Destroys or stops mold growth
- insecticidalAble to slay bugs
- symbiosisInterspecies biological interdependence
- nitrogen fixationConverting inert gas to ammonia
innate immunity
Inherited pathogen defense system
- pattern recognitionIdentifying regularities in inputs
- inflammatory responseBody's reaction to injury
- natural killer cellInnate immune lymphocyte targeting infected cells
- lecture notesWritten record of teaching
- lecture hallRoom for academic presentations
- lecture theatresTiered rooms for presentations
- lecture seriesScheduled sequence of presentations
- lecture schedulesPlans showing class times
- lecture theaterRoom for academic presentations