True about corynebacterium diphtheriae:
**Core Concept**
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium causing diphtheria, a serious infectious disease. This bacterium produces a potent toxin that leads to the characteristic symptoms of the disease.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The toxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a diphtheria toxin, which is a zinc-dependent metalloprotease. This toxin works by inactivating the elongation factor 2 (EF-2) through ADP-ribosylation, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis in host cells. This toxin is responsible for the severe tissue damage and systemic complications associated with diphtheria.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
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**Option B:** This option is not provided, so we will proceed with the next one.
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**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to note that Corynebacterium diphtheriae can be toxigenic or non-toxigenic. The presence of a tox gene in the bacterium determines its ability to produce the toxin, which is a critical factor in the diagnosis and treatment of diphtheria.
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