How does Cholera work?

Cholera works by releasing a toxin in the lumen. It causes chloride channels of the intestinal epithelial cells to open which in turn causes cholride ions to move along its concentration gradient into the lumen of the small intestine. This causes water to move via osmosis into the lumen of the small intestine (as the water potential of the lumen becomes more negative than the water potential of the epithelial cells) causing lots of water to be lost from the body. This causes severe dehydration which is how Cholera works.

TK
Answered by Tanvi K. Biology tutor

6480 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What property of a mammalian nerve axon allows for fast saltatory conduction?


Describe the passive movement through diffusion and explain Fick's Law


What is the structure of DNA?


Why is genetic diversity important within a population?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning