Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!

Toxin (in CC amphib glossary)

Jan

Site Contributor
Joined
Mar 3, 2006
Messages
1,625
Reaction score
35
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Toxin: A chemical compound that is produced by an organism and generally causes harm when introduced into the body tissues of another organism. Certain species of salamanders (e.g., Taricha granulosa, Notophthalmus viridescens, etc.) produce toxic secretions as a defense mechanism that result in the salamander becoming minimally unpalatable or maximally lethal to many predators.
 

John

Founder
Staff member
Joined
Feb 6, 2001
Messages
8,167
Reaction score
424
Location
USA
Toxin does not imply "produced by an organism".
 

Jan

Site Contributor
Joined
Mar 3, 2006
Messages
1,625
Reaction score
35
Location
Philadelphia, PA
The scietific definition of toxin refers to that which is produced by organisms (animals, plants, bacteria, fungi, etc.) which can either be produced naturally or through biogenetic engineering.

However, in common vernacular the term has become used as a catchall phrase for all poisonous substances whether manmade (chemicals, byproducts, etc.) or naturally occuring.

IMO sort of like the use of scientific names vs common names. Toxic vs. toxin - many chemicals can produce toxic reactions, be toxic to the environment, etc. the two words have blended in common speech.

How about this:

Toxin:
1. A chemical compound that is produced by an organism and generally causes harm when introduced into the body tissues of another organism. Certain species of salamanders (e.g., Taricha granulosa, Notophthalmus viridescens, etc.) produce toxic secretions as a defense mechanism that result in the salamander becoming minimally unpalatable or maximally lethal to many predators.
2. A catchall term commonly used to to describe poisonous substances whether naturally produced or manmade. Examples of the latter might include chemicals, byproducts, contaminants, etc., referred to as environmental toxins, reproductive toxins, etc.
 
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
    There are no messages in the chat. Be the first one to say Hi!
    Top