Amanitin is a toxic peptide found in the deadly Amanita mushroom species. It is a cyclic octapeptide that has a potent inhibitory effect on RNA polymerase II, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in transcription. Amanitin is known for its lethal effects on humans and animals, making it one of the most dangerous toxins in the world.
Definitions
Amanitin is a toxic peptide that is found in the Amanita mushroom species. It is a cyclic octapeptide that has a potent inhibitory effect on RNA polymerase II, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in transcription. Amanitin is known for its lethal effects on humans and animals, making it one of the most dangerous toxins in the world.
Origin
Amanitin was first isolated from the deadly Amanita phalloides mushroom in 1941 by German chemist Heinrich Wieland. Since then, it has been found in other species of Amanita mushrooms, including Amanita virosa and Amanita verna.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, amanitin is defined as “a toxic peptide that is found in some mushrooms (especially Amanita phalloides) and that inhibits RNA polymerase II, causing liver and kidney damage or death in animals and humans.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines amanitin as “a toxic peptide found in the Amanita mushroom species that inhibits RNA polymerase II, causing liver and kidney damage or death in animals and humans.”
Associations
Amanitin is associated with the deadly Amanita mushroom species, which are responsible for the majority of mushroom poisoning deaths worldwide. It is also associated with liver and kidney damage, as well as death in animals and humans.
Synonyms
There are no known synonyms for amanitin.
Antonyms
There are no known antonyms for amanitin.
The same root words
There are no known root words for amanitin.
Example Sentences
- Amanitin has a potent inhibitory effect on RNA polymerase II, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in transcription.
- The ingestion of amanitin can cause liver and kidney damage or death in animals and humans.