Genetics of ribosome-inactivating proteins.

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are a heterogeneous group of enzymes found mainly in plants and a few bacteria that possess N-glycosidase activity on ribosomes and a related polynucleotide adenosine glycosidase activity on naked nucleic acids. They encompass single enzymatic chains, heterodimeric toxic lectins and related agglutinins. Plants commonly produce several RIP isoforms encoded by multi-gene families. The toxic lectins possess adaptations related to their cytotoxic role.