enterotoxin
Quick Summary
X-ray protein crystallography in molecular biology
The structure of the cholera enterotoxin, shown in a false-color image obtained by X-ray protein crystallography.
An enterotoxin is a type of exotoxin produced by certain microorganisms, such as bacteria. These toxins specifically target the cells of the gastrointestinal tract.123
Enterotoxins are known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms, often leading to conditions like food poisoning or enteritis. Bacteria like Clostridium perfringens can produce enterotoxins that cause various diseases in both animals and humans. The term "enterotoxigenic" is used to describe microorganisms that produce these enterotoxins.3145
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