DIPHTHERIA TOXIN Meaning and
Definition
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Diphtheria toxin is a potent and highly virulent protein secreted by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is responsible for causing the infectious disease known as diphtheria. Diphtheria toxin functions by binding to host cells and interfering with their normal protein synthesis processes, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the disease.
The toxin itself is composed of two distinct domains. The A domain, or enzymatic domain, is responsible for the toxin's cytotoxic effects. It possesses an ADP-ribosyltransferase activity that modifies a specific host protein known as elongation factor 2 (EF2), crucial for protein synthesis within cells. Through ADP-ribosylation, the A domain of diphtheria toxin inactivates EF2, preventing the elongation of newly synthesized proteins, ultimately leading to cell death.
The B domain, or binding domain, acts as a receptor-binding component, facilitating the attachment of diphtheria toxin to the surface of host cells. This facilitates internalization of the toxin into the cell, allowing the A domain to exert its toxic action.
Diphtheria toxin is extremely potent, with even minute amounts capable of causing severe damage. It primarily targets epithelial cells in the respiratory system, leading to the development of a thick grayish-white pseudomembrane in the throat, along with systemic effects. The toxin's effects can be life-threatening if left untreated, and the disease requires immediate medical intervention, including administration of antitoxin and antibiotic therapy.
Diphtheria toxin is a significant concern in regions with limited healthcare access and low vaccination coverage. Vaccination with diphtheria toxoid is a key preventive measure against the disease, as it helps the body develop immunity to the toxin
Common Misspellings for DIPHTHERIA TOXIN
- siphtheria toxin
- xiphtheria toxin
- ciphtheria toxin
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- riphtheria toxin
- eiphtheria toxin
- duphtheria toxin
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- dkphtheria toxin
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- diohtheria toxin
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- di0htheria toxin
- dipgtheria toxin
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- dipntheria toxin
- dipjtheria toxin
Etymology of DIPHTHERIA TOXIN
The etymology of the word "Diphtheria Toxin" can be broken down as follows:
1. Diphtheria: The term "diphtheria" comes from the Greek word "diphthera", which means "skin" or "hide". This is believed to be a reference to the tough, membranous coating that forms in the throat during a diphtheria infection.
2. Toxin: The word "toxin" originates from the Latin word "toxicum", which means "poison". It is derived from the Greek word "toxikon", which refers to a poison used on arrows.
So, when combined, "Diphtheria Toxin" refers to the poisonous substance produced by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which causes the disease known as diphtheria.
