Final answer:
Ricin causes pulmonary edema and circulatory failure by inhibiting protein synthesis within cells, leading to cell death and potentially multiple organ failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When introduced into the body, ricin causes pulmonary edema and circulatory failure. Ricin is a potent toxin derived from the beans of the castor oil plant and functions by inhibiting protein synthesis within cells, leading to cell death. This interference with cell functionality results in severe symptoms and can be fatal. Unlike some biological toxins that mainly cause gastroenteritis or neurological symptoms, ricin's primary harmful effects come from its ability to damage the circulatory system and lungs, leading to pulmonary edema, where fluid accumulates in the lung tissue, and circulatory collapse.
Exposure to ricin can be potentially lethal if not treated promptly. The effect of ricin is such that it can cause multiple organ failure due to the inability of cells to synthesize proteins necessary for survival. While not having the direct effects like intestinal obstruction, enlargement of lymph nodes, or necrosis of muscle tissue as other conditions might present, ricin's impact on the body is severe and predominantly affects the lungs and circulatory system.