Exotoxins Are

Question

Exotoxins are
A)proteins.
B)only released after a cell is damaged or lysed.
C)antiphagocytic factors.
D)secretions that always target nervous tissue.
E)lipopolysaccharides.

Accepted Answer

Exotoxins are proteins that are secreted by bacteria which can cause damage to host cells or tissues. They are not only released after a cell is damaged or lysed but can be actively secreted by living bacteria. Exotoxins are not antiphagocytic factors, which are substances that prevent phagocytosis by the host's immune cells. They do not always target nervous tissue, and are not lipopolysaccharides which are components of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria.