Biological Activity
Vanadium(V) oxide exhibits modest toxicity to humans, with an LD50 of about 470 mg/kg. The greater problem is with inhalation of the dust, where the LD50 ranges from 4-11mg/kg for a 14 day exposure. Vanadate (VO43−), formed by hydrolysis of V2O5 at high pH, appears to inhibit enzymes that process phosphate (PO43−). However the exact mode of action remains elusive.
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Famous quotes containing the words biological and/or activity:
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—The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition, the first sentence of the article on “life” (based on wording in the First Edition, 1935)
“Dissent is the native activity of the scientist, and it has got him into a good deal of trouble in the last years. But if that is cut off, what is left will not be a scientist. And I doubt whether it will be a man.”
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