Ricin, a potent toxin, is derived from which part of the castor bean?

Ricin is derived from the seed endosperm of the castor bean plant, which is scientifically known as Ricinus communis. The seed endosperm contains a high concentration of ricin, making it one of the most potent plant-derived toxins. Ricin is a type of lectin and can inhibit protein synthesis in cells, leading to cellular damage and potentially fatal poisoning if ingested, inhaled, or injected.

Understanding the origin of ricin emphasizes the importance of handling castor beans with care, as they are not only utilized for their oil but also pose significant health risks due to the presence of ricin in the seeds. The other parts of the plant, such as the leaves, fruit skin, and roots, do not contain ricin to the same extent or do not pose the same level of toxicity, making the seed endosperm the critical focus when discussing the source of this toxin.