Are exotoxins only secreted by gram-negative bacteria? I read that LPS are the same as exotoxins, so it would follow that only gram-negative secrete them.

Question

agreene · Answer

this is a pretty common misconception, more info here: http://textbookofbacteriology.net/proteintoxins.html

anonymous · Answer

I read the article, and it confirmed what I said. Am I confusing something still?

agreene · Answer

maybe I'm just being stupid then, sorry im rather tired, let me re-read the article, i just real quickly scimmed it...

anonymous · Answer

I might be wrong. I am just trying to figure out whether exotoxins and LPS are the same, in which case they don't pertain to gram-positive.

agreene · Answer

yeah sorry, i misread the bit about endotoxins as being about exotoxins... just a bit tired... lol

agreene · Answer

exotoxins dont have to be LPS, but LPS are exotoxins, If im remembering correctly.

anonymous · Answer

So gram-positive bacteria can secrete exotoxins?

agreene · Answer

Yes, if I'm not going crazy due to sleep deprivation, lol

anonymous · Answer

Haha no problem. Thanks.

anonymous · Answer

exotoxins are mostly produced by gram + ones and endotoxins by gram - ones. 
LPS is not an exotoxin it is present in gram negative bacterial cell wall and it's lipid A component works as an endotoxin thatis notorious for gram negative sepsis and systemic symptoms.

dean.shyy · Answer

This may help you: http://is.gd/DT6dBy

anonymous · Answer

I was confusing the exotoxins and endotoxins with where they were coming from. 
Thank you @DocNomi

anonymous · Answer

You are always welcome @maud101