Biotoxins are harmful substances produced by living organisms, typically as a byproduct of their metabolic processes. These toxins can have a wide range of effects on other organisms, including humans, and can cause illness, injury, or death. The study of biotoxins is crucial in fields like toxicology, medicine, and environmental science.
Biotoxins are often found in nature in various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, plants, and animals. For example, biotoxins produced by bacteria such as botulinum toxin can cause botulism, a life-threatening illness. Marine organisms like pufferfish contain potent biotoxins like tetrodotoxin, which is deadly to humans if consumed improperly.
The identification and understanding of biotoxins have led to the development of antidotes and treatments, as well as advances in biotechnology that can harness biotoxins for therapeutic uses, such as in the creation of vaccines or cancer therapies. However, the potential use of biotoxins in bioterrorism remains a significant concern in global security.