Microbes are found almost everywhere around us, both inside and outside the living organisms. These pathogens produce toxins which are the major causes of the infections. These toxins are categorized into two types:

• Endotoxins
• Exotoxins

The basic difference between endotoxins and exotoxins lies in the way how these toxins are produced by bacteria. Let us explore the difference between endotoxins and exotoxins in detail.

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Endotoxins vs Exotoxins

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The endotoxins and exotoxins widely vary in toxicity and lethality. Exotoxins are more potent and often fatal when compared to endotoxins. The deadliest toxin in the world – Botulinum toxin or Botox is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

The major difference between endotoxins and exotoxins are summarized below:

Difference Between Endotoxin and Exotoxins Endotoxin Exotoxins Toxins Forms a part of the cell wall and is released on the death of the bacteria. It is secreted as a part of metabolism. Composition Composed of a Lipoglycan complex. Composed of polypeptides. Immune response Has an ability to trigger an immune response is comparatively weaker. Has a stronger ability to trigger an immune response. Enzymatic activity It does not have any enzymatic activities. Most of the activities are enzymatic in nature. Toxicity It is moderate toxicity. It is highly toxic. Mode of conversion Cannot be converted into toxoids Can be made into a Toxoid Fatal Do not prove fatal Often fatal in larger quantities Denaturation Does not get denatured Gets denatured on boiling Diseases caused Diseases caused by these toxins include: Urinary tract infections Coronary artery disease Meningococcal meningitis Diseases caused by these toxins include: Scarlet fever Botulism Scalded skin syndrome Examples Examples of endotoxin-producing bacteria are: Salmonella typhi (Typhoid), Vibrio cholerae (Cholera). Streptococcus pneumoniae (sepsis ) Examples of exotoxin producing bacteria are: Clostridium botulinum (Botox), Clostridium tetani (Tetanus), Corynebacterium diphtheriae (Diphtheria).

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Endotoxin, as the name suggests, is the toxin that is liberated from the outer cell wall of a bacteria after its death. These toxins are extremely dangerous to the extent that they can cause severe damage to the organism.

Exotoxins

They are heat-labile proteins, mainly secreted by some rare species of bacteria. Once after the toxins are liberated, it diffuses into the surrounding medium and causes harm to the host cells either by disrupting the normal functioning of the cell or by directly destroying the cells. Exotoxins, as the name suggests, are the toxin produced inside the bacteria itself as a part of their metabolism.

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Learn more about Endotoxins, Exotoxins, their differences and other related topics at BYJU’S Biology.

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