canavanine
/kəˈnævəniːn/
noun
- A toxic amino acid found in some plants, especially legumes, that can cause harm to animals that eat them.
- Canavanine is present in the seeds of the jack bean and can be poisonous to livestock.
- Scientists study canavanine because it interferes with protein production in animals.
- Some insects have evolved to tolerate canavanine in their diet.