Q. What do you understand by Haemagglutinins?
Haemagglutinins are the globulin type of proteins which are present in the seeds of plants like double bean, field bean, white bean and horse gram, which have the property of agglutinating RBCs (Red Blood cells). The agglutinins combine with the cell lining of the intestinal wall and thus interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients. Consumption of improperly processed beans result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It also leads to growth depression, a decrease in food intake and death.