A secondary metabolite of micro fungus that is capable of causing death or illness in humans and animals.
A mycotoxin (from the Greek μύκης mykes, "fungus" and τοξικός toxikos, "poisonous") is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by fungi and is capable of causing disease and death in both humans and other animals. The term 'mycotoxin' is usually reserved for the toxic chemical products produced by fungi that readily colonize crops.
Examples of mycotoxins causing human and animal illness include aflatoxin, citrinin, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, patulin, trichothecenes, zearalenone, and ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
English
Etymology
From myco- + toxin.
Noun
mycotoxin (plural mycotoxins)
- (biochemistry) Any substance, produced by a mold or fungus, that is injurious to vertebrates upon ingestion, inhalation or skin contact.
Derived terms
Related terms
- mycotoxic
- mycotoxicity
- mycotoxicology
Translations
See also
- aflatoxin
- ochratoxin
- patulin