Differences Between Endotoxins and Exotoxins
The endotoxin vs exotoxin is given below:
Feature |
Endotoxins |
Exotoxins |
Definition |
It is a bacterial toxin and a lipopolysaccharide. | It is a soluble protein that is secreted to the outside of the bacterial cell. |
Type of Molecule |
Lipopolysaccharide | Protein |
Produced By |
Gram-negative bacteria | Both Gram-negative and positive bacteria. |
Enzymatic activity |
Does not act as enzymes. | Act as enzymes. |
Toxicity |
Less Toxic | Highly Toxic. |
Mode of conversion | Cannot be converted to toxoid. | Can be converted to toxoid. |
Fatal |
It doesn’t prove to be fatal. | It is often fatal in larger quantities. |
Diseases caused |
Urinary Tract Infection Ischemic Heart Disease Meningococcal Meningitis |
Scarlet fever Botulism Scalded skin syndrome |
Location |
Within the outer membrane of the bacterium. | In the extracellular fluid. |
Antigenicity |
Less antigenic | Highly antigenic |
Example of toxin producing bacteria |
Salmonella typhi (Typhoid), Vibrio cholerae (Cholera). |
Clostridium tetani (Tetanus), |
Difference Between Endotoxins and Exotoxins
The major difference between endotoxin and exotoxin lies in how bacteria produce these toxins. Endotoxins are produced by Gram-negative bacteria and exotoxins are produced by bacteria that release toxins into the surroundings. The toxins are toxic substances, including proteins, small molecules, and peptides, which cause disease upon contact with or absorption from body tissues.
The difference between endotoxin and exotoxin lies in their origins and how they affect the body. In this article, we will cover the difference between endotoxin and exotoxin in tabular form.
Table of Content
- Endotoxins
- Exotoxins:
- Differences Between Endotoxins and Exotoxins
- Conclusion – Difference Between Endotoxins And Exotoxins
- FAQs on Endotoxins And Exotoxins
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