Chapter 15 (part 2 study guide)

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts regarding toxins and toxoids as discussed in the lecture.

Toxins

Poisons produced by bacteria that cause damage or disease in the host.

Toxoids

Toxins that have been inactivated so they are no longer harmful but can still trigger an immune response.

A-B Toxins

Toxins that consist of two parts: A (active enzyme) which is the toxic part, and B (binding component) which aids in damaging the cell.

Endotoxins

Toxins that are part of the bacterial cell wall, released when bacteria die or break apart

Exotoxins

Toxins actively released by living bacteria into the environment,

What is ruffling?

Disruption in the cytoskeleton of the host cell

4 differences between endotoxins and exotoxins

1) Source

• Exotoxins: Produced mainly by Gram-positive bacteria

• Endotoxins: Found in Gram-negative bacteria

2) Chemical Nature

• Exotoxins: Proteins (often A-B toxins)

• Endotoxins: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), specifically lipid A

3) Heat Stability

• Exotoxins: Heat-senstive(destroyed at 60–80°C)

• Endotoxins: Heat-resistant (can withstand autoclaving)

4) Exotoxins: high ability to cause disease

• Endotoxins: low ability to cause disease

What are antitoxins?

Toxoids that neutralize the effects of toxins, particularly exotoxins, by binding to them.