What does a cytotoxin do?

What does a cytotoxin do?

• A. Destroys red blood cells, disrupts clotting, and causes organ degeneration and tissue damage
• B. Damages, destroys or impairs nerve tissue and disrupts brain function
• C. Specifically attacks a particular type of cell, muscle group, or organ
• D. Causes hair growth and skin changes

Answer: (C)

Cytotoxins act by harming the cells themselves, often showing selectivity for a specific cell type, muscle group, or organ. This precise targeting is what defines a cytotoxin, because its primary action is on the cells or tissues rather than broadly affecting nerves or causing cosmetic changes. In this light, a toxin that specifically attacks a particular cell type or tissue fits best. By contrast, a neurotoxin damages nerve tissue, and options describing broad red-blood-cell destruction or skin/hair changes describe other toxin effects rather than targeted cytotoxic action.

Cytotoxins act by harming the cells themselves, often showing selectivity for a specific cell type, muscle group, or organ. This precise targeting is what defines a cytotoxin, because its primary action is on the cells or tissues rather than broadly affecting nerves or causing cosmetic changes. In this light, a toxin that specifically attacks a particular cell type or tissue fits best. By contrast, a neurotoxin damages nerve tissue, and options describing broad red-blood-cell destruction or skin/hair changes describe other toxin effects rather than targeted cytotoxic action.