Cholera toxin

Cholera toxin (pronounced: kuh-LEHR-uh TOX-in) is a protein complex secreted by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of Cholera.

Etymology

The term "Cholera" is derived from the Greek word "kholē", meaning "bile", and the Latin word "toxicum", meaning "poison".

Function

Cholera toxin is responsible for the severe, life-threatening diarrhea characteristic of cholera infection. It does this by interfering with the normal regulation of ion transport across the cell membrane in the intestines, leading to a massive, uncontrolled secretion of water and electrolytes into the bowel.

Structure

The cholera toxin molecule is made up of two main parts: the A subunit and the B subunit. The A subunit is responsible for the toxic effect, while the B subunit helps the toxin bind to the cells of the intestine.

Related Terms

• Vibrio cholerae
• Cholera
• Toxin
• Protein complex
• Cell membrane
• Ion transport
• Diarrhea

See Also

• Enterotoxin
• Bacterial toxins
• Infectious diseases

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cholera toxin
• Wikipedia's article - Cholera toxin

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