Question

Endotoxins and exotoxins are both bacterial virulence factors that can affect the infected host. Sort the following descriptions as to whether they apply to endotoxins, exotoxins, or both.

Released by dead cells, Secreted by living cells, Are virulence factors, Produced by Gram-negative bacteria, Composed of protein, Harm the host by overstimulating the host's immune defense, Include hemolysins, Produced by Gram-positive bacteria, Component of lipopolysaccharide.

Answer 1

Endotoxins are released by dead cells and are a component of lipopolysaccharide from Gram-negative bacteria, while exotoxins are secreted by living cells, are primarily composed of protein, and are produced mainly by Gram-positive bacteria but also by Gram-negative ones. Both harm the host but through different mechanisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sorting Endotoxins and Exotoxins

Both endotoxins and exotoxins are virulence factors that contribute to a pathogen's ability to cause disease. These toxins vary in their mechanisms of harming the host and their conditions of release.

Composed of protein: Exotoxins

Component of lipopolysaccharide (LPS): Endotoxins