Damaging Host Cells

Microorganisms produce poisonous substances called toxins.

Direct damage to the host is a general mechanism utilized by pathogenic organisms to ensure infection and destruction of the host cell.

Type III and IV secretion systems are utilized by pathogenic bacteria to transfer molecules from the bacterial cell to the host cell.

Both plasmids and lysogeny are used by bacteria and viruses to ensure transfer of genes and nucleic acids for viral reproduction.

Siderophores produce specific proteins and some siderophores form soluble iron complexes to aid in iron acquisition for survival.