A toxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum; the main component of botulinum toxin.
From Latin botulus (sausage) because the toxin was first identified in contaminated sausages, plus the chemical suffix '-in' for protein compounds.
Botulin is one of the deadliest substances known—one gram could theoretically kill millions of people—yet doctors now use precisely measured amounts to treat migraines, wrinkles, and muscle disorders.
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