Exotoxins are a type of toxin produced by living bacteria or upon bacterial lysis, and are typically composed of proteins. While these toxins are often extremely harmful to humans, they are distinct from endotoxins in terms of their potency. This article will explain which of the commonly held beliefs about exotoxins is generally false.
Exotoxins Overview
Exotoxins are secreted by living bacteria and are proteins in nature. They have been known to cause various forms of food poisoning and are highly toxic—causing conditions such as gangrene and even death. They are also heat labile, meaning they can be destroyed by heat.
False Statement About Exotoxins
The false statement about exotoxins that is generally accepted is that they are more potent than endotoxins. While exotoxins are highly toxic, many have found that endotoxins actually have a greater impact on the human body due to their ability to cause inflammatory responses throughout the body.
Conclusion
Exotoxins are toxic proteins produced by living bacteria or upon bacterial lysis. While they are highly toxic, one of the false statements about exotoxins is that they are more potent than endotoxins. This is generally false, as endotoxins can cause an inflammatory response throughout the body.