Toxin production Explanation Certain toxins may help bacteria get scarce nutrients Example: high levels of diphtheria toxin produced when cell depleted of iron Very little free iron in normal tissue Is this a way for organisms to obtain it from dead tissue? BIOL 533 Lecture 9BIOL 533 10 Lecture 9 Toxin Production – Explanation • Certain toxins may help bacteria get scarce nutrients • Example: high levels of diphtheria toxin produced when cell depleted of iron – Very little free iron in normal tissue – Is this a way for organisms to obtain it from dead tissue?