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

5541 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do organisms generate ATP?


How does the body increase heart rate in response to exercise?


Describe the structure of proteins.


Explain how restriction endonucleases are used to form recombinant DNA plasmids.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences