Information AboutToxin |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT TOXIN | |
| toxins | |
| toxicology | |
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A toxin (ous substance produced by living cells or organisms. Toxins are nearly always Protein s that are capable of causing disease on contact or absorption with Body Tissue s by interacting with biological Macromolecule s such as Enzyme s or Cellular Receptors . Toxins vary greatly in their severity, ranging from usually minor and acute (as in a Bee Sting ) to almost immediately deadly (as in Botulinum Toxin ). Biotoxins vary greatly in purpose and mechanism, and can be highly complex (the Venom of the Cone Snail contains dozens of small Protein s, each targeting a specific nerve channel or receptor), or relatively small protein. USE Biotoxins in nature have two primary functions:
Some of the more well known types of biotoxins include:
Plant Toxins Ricin is found in the castor bean plant. NON-TECHNICAL USAGE When used non-technically, the term "toxin" is often applied to any Toxic substances. Toxic substances not of biological origin are more properly termed Poison s. Many non-technical and lifestyle journalists also follow this usage to refer to Toxic substances in general, though some specialist journalists at publishers such as BBC and The Guardian maintain the distinction that toxins are only those produced by living organisms. In the context of Alternative Medicine the term is often used nonspecifically to refer to any substance claimed to cause ill health, ranging anywhere from trace amounts of pesticides to common food items like refined Sugar or additives like Artificial Sweetener s and MSG . {Link without Title} The term is also used commonly in Pop Psychology to describe things that have an adverse effect on psychological health, such as a "toxic relationship," "toxic work environment" or "toxic shame." SEE ALSO
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