Question

endotoxins are also called pyrogens because they:

select one:
a. induce a fever
b. prevent staining
c. cause spores to form
d. stop airflow

Explanation:

Analyze the term pyrogen

The prefix "pyro-" relates to fire or heat, and "-gen" refers to a substance that produces or generates something. In a biological context, a pyrogen is a substance that induces a fever.

Relate endotoxins to pyrogens

Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria) are classic examples of exogenous pyrogens because they trigger the body's immune response to release endogenous pyrogens, leading to an increase in body temperature (fever).

Evaluate the given options

• Option a: "Induce a fever" matches the definition of a pyrogen.
• Option b: "Prevent staining" is unrelated to pyrogenic activity.
• Option c: "Cause spores to form" is unrelated to pyrogenic activity.
• Option d: "Stop airflow" is unrelated to pyrogenic activity.

Answer:

• a. Induce a fever (Correct answer)
• b. Prevent staining
• c. Cause spores to form
• d. Stop airflow