Final answer:
Bacillus anthracis produces lethal factor which, as part of the lethal toxin complex, induces apoptosis in host cells by interfering with cell signaling pathways.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacillus anthracis produces lethal factor (LF), which combines with protective antigen (PA) to form lethal toxin (LeTX). This complex is a type of A-B toxin where the B subunit (PA) aids in the delivery of the A subunit (LF) into the host cell.
When inside the cell, lethal factor acts as a protease that targets host proteins involved in cell signaling, specifically the MAPK pathway. The primary effect of lethal factor is to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, rather than causing cell lysis, inhibiting protein synthesis, or activating the immune response.