PROTEOTOXIN Meaning and
Definition
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Proteotoxin refers to a toxic substance or compound that is derived from or produced by a living organism, particularly proteins. It is a broad term encompassing a variety of toxins that can be found in nature, specifically within the animal and plant kingdoms. Proteotoxins can have harmful effects on other organisms, including humans, as they often disrupt normal biological functions or processes.
These toxins are typically produced as a defensive mechanism by organisms to deter predators or to gain an advantage in the competition for resources. They can be found in various parts of the organism, such as venomous secretions, tissues, or even in the excretions of certain organisms. Examples of proteotoxins include snake venom, bee venom, and certain bacterial toxins like botulinum toxin.
Proteotoxins are known to interact with specific molecular targets within the cells or tissues of the affected organism. They can bind to receptors on the cell surface or enter the cell and disrupt various cellular processes, leading to the damaging effects observed. This can include interference with nerve signaling, inhibition of enzymatic activity, or disruption of cell membranes, among others.
Due to their potential harmful effects, proteotoxins have attracted significant interest in scientific research. The study of proteotoxins plays a crucial role in the fields of toxicology, pharmacology, and biochemistry, as understanding their structure, mechanism of action, and potential therapeutic applications is of great importance for human health.
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A toxic protein split-product resulting from the reaction between a bacterial protein and the serum of the host; endotoxin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PROTEOTOXIN
- oroteotoxin
- lroteotoxin
- -roteotoxin
- 0roteotoxin
- peoteotoxin
- pdoteotoxin
- pfoteotoxin
- ptoteotoxin
- p5oteotoxin
- p4oteotoxin
- priteotoxin
- prkteotoxin
- prlteotoxin
- prpteotoxin
- pr0teotoxin
- pr9teotoxin
- proreotoxin
- profeotoxin
- progeotoxin
- proyeotoxin
Etymology of PROTEOTOXIN
The word "proteotoxin" appears to be a combination of two terms: "proteo-" and "-toxin".
The prefix "proteo-" is derived from the Greek word "proteios", meaning "of the first rank" or "chief". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to indicate protein-related concepts.
The suffix "-toxin" comes from the Latin word "toxicum" which means "poison". It is used to denote substances that are harmful to living organisms, particularly toxins produced by plants, animals, or microorganisms.
Therefore, "proteotoxin" likely refers to a toxin that is specifically associated with proteins or protein-related activities.
Similar spelling word for PROTEOTOXIN
