Q. Diphtheria is caused by
A) Poisons released by living bacterial cells into the host tissues
B) Poisons released from dead bacterial cells into the host tissues
C) Poisons released by virus into host tissues
D) Excessive immune response by the host’s body
Explanation
Toxins released from Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria. Actually, bacterial cells do not contain gene for toxin production-a phage carries the gene for it. Only those lysogenised cells of C. diphtheriae which carry$\beta -$phage, can produce the toxin and cause diphtheria.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.