Aggressin

/əˈɡresɪn/ noun

Definition

A toxic substance produced by bacteria that helps the bacteria invade and damage body tissues.

Etymology

From 'aggress' plus the biochemical suffix '-in' (used for proteins and enzymes). The -in suffix marks biological molecules and substances.

Kelly Says

Bacteria literally fight our immune system with chemical weapons — aggressins are toxins that punch holes in cell membranes, explaining why infection is more than just bacterial numbers but biochemical warfare.

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