Which statement distinguishes endotoxins from exotoxins?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to distinguish between endotoxins and exotoxins by identifying a true statement regarding their characteristics and behaviors.
Answer
Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides released upon bacterial cell death, while exotoxins are actively secreted polypeptides.
Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, released upon cell death. Exotoxins are polypeptides actively secreted by bacteria.
Answer for screen readers
Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, released upon cell death. Exotoxins are polypeptides actively secreted by bacteria.
More Information
Endotoxins are part of the bacterial cell wall and are not typically released until the bacteria die. Exotoxins, on the other hand, are proteins exported by living bacteria to cause damage to host cells.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing which type is secreted by bacteria and what happens upon cell death.
Sources
- Difference Between Endotoxins and Exotoxins - An Overview - BYJU'S - byjus.com
- Difference between endotoxins and exotoxins - Integra Biosciences - integra-biosciences.com
- Differences Between Exotoxins and Endotoxins - Microbiology Info - microbiologyinfo.com
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