toxini

Toxini is a term occasionaly used in toxicology and related fields to refer to toxic substances, particularly those of biological origin, treated as a collective concept. It is not a universally formal term in English-language science, and many sources prefer the standard words toxins or toxin when describing individual substances.

In principle, toxini encompass molecules and complexes that produce adverse biological effects. They may act through diverse mechanisms, including binding to cellular receptors, inhibiting enzymes, disrupting cellular membranes, or modulating ion channels. Toxic effects are usually dose-dependent and can vary with the organism, tissue type, and exposure route.

Sources of toxini are varied and include natural producers such as bacteria, plants, animals, and fungi, as well as synthetic or artificially derived compounds. The study of toxini covers their formation, distribution in ecosystems or products, and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of their effects in living systems.

In research and medicine, the term toxini appears primarily in discussions of toxic mechanisms, risk assessment, and safety regulation. Many scientific communities continue to favor explicit naming of toxins for clarity. See also toxicology, toxins, venoms, and examples of well-known toxins to provide context.