Thionins
Encyclopedia
Thionins are small, basic plant proteins, 45 to 50 amino acids in length, which include three or four conserved disulfide linkages. The proteins are toxic to animal cells, presumably attacking the cell membrane and rendering it permeable:
this results in the inhibition of sugar uptake and allows potassium and phosphate ions, proteins, and nucleotides to leak from cells. Thionins are mainly found in seeds where they may act as a defence against consumption by animals. A barley (Hordeum vulgare) leaf thionin that is highly toxic to plant pathogens and is involved in the mechanism of plant defence against microbial infections has also been identified. The hydrophobic protein crambin
from the Abyssinian kale (Crambe abyssinica
) is also a member of the thionin family.
this results in the inhibition of sugar uptake and allows potassium and phosphate ions, proteins, and nucleotides to leak from cells. Thionins are mainly found in seeds where they may act as a defence against consumption by animals. A barley (Hordeum vulgare) leaf thionin that is highly toxic to plant pathogens and is involved in the mechanism of plant defence against microbial infections has also been identified. The hydrophobic protein crambin
Crambin
Crambin is a small seed storage protein from the Abyssinian cabbage. It has 46 residues .It has been extensively studied by X-ray crystallography since its crystals are unique and diffract to of 0.48 Å resolution....
from the Abyssinian kale (Crambe abyssinica
Crambe abyssinica
Crambe abyssinica is an oilseed crop, native to the Mediterranean area. According to the Alternative Field Crops Manual, it is used as an industrial lubricant, a corrosion inhibitor, and as an ingredient in the manufacture of synthetic rubber. It can also be used in surfactants and slip and coating...
) is also a member of the thionin family.