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:
“Although there is no universal agreement as to a definition of life, its biological manifestations are generally considered to be organization, metabolism, growth, irritability, adaptation, and reproduction.”
—The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition, the first sentence of the article on “life” (based on wording in the First Edition, 1935)
“The animal is one with its life activity. It does not distinguish the activity from itself. It is its activity. But man makes his life activity itself an object of his will and consciousness. He has a conscious life activity. It is not a determination with which he is completely identified.”
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