exotoxins

views updated

exotoxins Toxic substances produced by bacteria which diffuse out of the cells and stimulate the production of antibodies which specifically neutralize them (antitoxins). They are generally heat‐labile and inactivated in about 1 hour at 60 °C. Exotoxins include those produced by the organisms responsible for botulism, tetanus, and diphtheria. See also endotoxins.

More From encyclopedia.com