Question

You have recently identified a new toxin. It is produced by a gram-negative bacterium. It is composed mostly of protein, has high toxicity, and is not heat stable. You also discover that it targets liver cells. Based on these characteristics, how would you classify this toxin?

a) Enterotoxin
b) Exotoxin
c) Endotoxin
d) Neurotoxin

Answer 1

The new toxin can be classified as an exotoxin (b) based on its characteristics of being composed mostly of protein, having high toxicity, targeting liver cells, and being heat labile.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the given characteristics, the new toxin can be classified as exotoxin (b). Exotoxins are protein molecules produced by living pathogenic bacteria, which includes both gram-positive and some gram-negative pathogens. Unlike endotoxins, exotoxins are highly specific in their action and target specific receptors on specific cells. Exotoxins are also heat labile and can be denatured at higher temperatures, unlike endotoxins.