Which of the following statements about diphtheria toxin is...

Name: Problem 5, Chapter 16: Nester's Microbiology: A Human Perspective
Uploaded: 2021-06-16T13:41:10-08:00
Duration: 49 s
Channel: Eleanor Behling
Description: Which of the following statements about diphtheria toxin is false? It a) is an example of an endotoxin. b) is produced by a species of Corynebacterium. c) inhibits protein synthesis. d) can cause local damage to the throat. e) can cause systemic damage (that is, to organs such as the heart).

Which of the following statements about diphtheria toxin is false? It a) is an example of an endotoxin. b) is produced by a species of Corynebacterium. c) inhibits protein synthesis. d) can cause local damage to the throat. e) can cause systemic damage (that is, to organs such as the heart).

Which of the following statements about diphtheria toxin is false? It
a) is an example of an endotoxin.
b) is produced by a species of Corynebacterium.
c) inhibits protein synthesis.
d) can cause local damage to the throat.
e) can cause systemic damage (that is, to organs such as the heart).

Key Concepts

Exotoxins

Exotoxins are toxic proteins secreted by bacteria into the surrounding environment. They have specific targets within host cells and can be highly potent, leading to severe local or systemic effects depending on their mode of action and distribution.

Endotoxins

Endotoxins are components, typically lipopolysaccharides, found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. They are released when the bacteria lyse and generally induce a strong inflammatory response. Unlike exotoxins, endotoxins are not secreted during normal bacterial growth.

Inhibition of Protein Synthesis

Several bacterial toxins disrupt host cellular functions by inhibiting protein synthesis. This mechanism usually involves specific modifications of the host's ribosomal machinery, leading to cell death and contributing to the pathogenesis of the infection.

Local and Systemic Effects of Toxins

Bacterial toxins can cause damage both at the site of infection (local effects) and in distant organs once they enter systemic circulation. The specific effects depend on the toxin's biochemical properties, concentration, and the immune response of the host.

Bacterial Toxin Production

The production of toxins by bacteria is a key virulence factor that enhances their ability to cause disease. These toxins enable bacteria to evade the immune system, disrupt normal cellular processes, and induce both localized and widespread tissue damage.

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