Q2CC - Campbell Biology

Question

A pathogenic bacterium’s toxin causes symptoms that increase the bacterium’s chance of spreading from host to host. Does this information indicate whether the poison is an exotoxin or endotoxin? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The endotoxins released by the bacteria are localized within cells and cannot leave the body. However, exotoxins are released outside the body, and they can quickly leave the body and spread from one individual to another. Therefore, the poison that is released by a pathogenic bacterium is an exotoxin.

Step 1: Toxins produced by pathogenic bacteria

Pathogenic bacteria are capable of producing two types of proteins called exotoxins and endotoxins. Different mechanisms produce both the toxins, and their mode of action is ultimately different from one another. The toxins are very dangerous and can cause serious imbalances in the body.

Step 2: Endotoxins

Endotoxins are those toxins that are produced by gram-negative bacteria. The endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides that are produced by the cell wall of the bacteria by the action of phospholipids. These endotoxins can leak into the blood and reach different tissues of the body.

Step 3: Exotoxins

Exotoxins are toxins that are produced by bacterial cells. These exotoxins are very dangerous because they can damage the cells of the body and invade different organs of the body. Additionally, they can also spread from one host to another.