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Definition

noun, plural: phytolectins

A sugar-binding protein found in plants, capable of causing a number of physiological effects.

Supplement

The phytolectins are capable of inducing mitosis, influencing transport and permeability of cell membrane to proteins, and agglutination of red blood cell types in many mammals.

Word origin: phyto- (plant) + lectin.

Synonym: phytohemagglutinin