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),
Clostridium botulinum (Botox),

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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Endotoxins

Endotoxins are found in the outer membrane of bacteria. It is recommended as a cell-associated substance responsible for the structure of bacteria. Endotoxins are also known as lipopolysaccharides or LPS. LPS is found on the outer surface of Gram-negative bacteria. LPS is released when bacterial cells die....

Exotoxins

Exotoxin are protein or polypeptide. It acts on tissues away from the starting point of bacterial growth. Exotoxins are usually produced by bacteria or cellular action. It is released into the environment by bacteria....

Differences Between Endotoxins and Exotoxins

The endotoxin vs exotoxin is given below:...

Conclusion – Difference Between Endotoxins And Exotoxins

In summary, the difference between endotoxin and exotoxin lies in the way they are produced by bacteria. Endotoxins, derived from the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, are generally less toxic and less antigenic compared to exotoxins. They cannot be converted into toxoids. On the other hand, exotoxins are secreted by both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. These proteins possess enzymatic activity, rendering them highly toxic and often fatal in larger quantities. Exotoxins are highly antigenic and can be converted into toxoids for vaccination purposes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of bacterial infections....

FAQs on Difference Between Endotoxins And Exotoxins

What Bacteria Produce Endotoxins?...