What is the typical percentage of ricin toxin found in a single castor bean?

The typical percentage of ricin toxin found in a single castor bean is indeed less than 5%. Castor beans contain a variety of compounds, but ricin itself is present in only a small fraction of the total weight of the bean. Generally, ricin comprises about 1-5% of the weight of a castor bean, which makes the choice indicating less than 5% the most accurate.

Understanding the composition of castor beans is crucial, as it highlights the relationship between the amount of ricin produced and the potential lethality of the plant. While ricin is highly toxic, its concentration in the beans means that significant quantities of castor beans would be necessary to extract a lethal dose of ricin. This context is important for those studying biological threats and the potential risks associated with ricin exposure.