What differentiates endotoxins from exotoxins?

The distinction between endotoxins and exotoxins is primarily related to their location within bacterial structures. Endotoxins are components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, specifically found in the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that make up the cell wall. They are released when the bacterial cells die and the cell wall breaks down.

In contrast, exotoxins are proteins produced and secreted by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria into their surrounding environment. These toxins can be released actively by living bacteria and can have specific effects on host cells or tissues.

Understanding this key difference in their location helps clarify their functions and effects. Endotoxins tend to induce a generalized immune response and can cause fever and inflammation, while exotoxins often have specific targets and can be more potent, causing a variety of diseases. Therefore, recognizing the location within bacterial cell walls as the differentiating factor is fundamental in microbiology, especially in pathology and infectious disease contexts.