lectin
noun [ C or U ] uk/ˈlek.tɪn/ us/ˈlek.tɪn/
（主要出现在植物中）凝集素
a type of protein mainly found in plants that binds (= chemically joins) to carbohydrates (= substances such as sugar)
Kidney bean lectin is a natural toxin that can cause stomach aches and vomiting if the beans are not properly cooked. 肾豆凝集素是一种天然毒素，如果豆子煮得不好，会引起胃痛和呕吐。
- More examples
- Scientists at the University of Liverpool have found that a protein called lectin found in edible mushrooms can target cancer cells and stop them multiplying.
- We did a study to assess whether intact peanut lectin enters the blood after eating peanuts.
- The lectin may bind to several glycoproteins on the cell surface.
- Proteins called lectins in certain dried pulses, like kidney beans, cause a reaction unless well cooked.
- Lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins), are known to play a role in defence responses against a range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in plants.