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toxin

(Science: pharmacology) A poison, frequently used to refer specifically to a protein produced by some higher plants, certain animals and pathogenic bacteria, which is highly toxic for other living organisms.

Such substances are differentiated from the simple chemical poisons and the vegetable alkaloids by their high molecular weight and antigenicity.

Origin: Gr toxikon = arrow poison, from Gr. Toxikos = of or for a bow A poisonous substance produced during the metabolism and growth of certain microorganisms and some higher plant and animal species.Created by organisms in their metabolic processes and prove injurous to other organisms.