The terms ‘toxin’ and ‘toxic substance’ are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in the realm of biology and chemistry.
A toxin is a specific type of poison that is produced by living organisms, such as plants, animals, or bacteria. Toxins are biological in origin and are typically harmful when introduced into the body. For instance, the venom of a snake or the ricin protein from castor beans are examples of toxins.
On the other hand, a toxic substance refers to any chemical that can be harmful to living organisms. This includes both natural toxins and man-made chemicals. A toxic substance can be a synthetic chemical like pesticides or heavy metals like lead and mercury, which are not produced by living organisms.
In summary, while all toxins are considered toxic substances, not all toxic substances are toxins. Toxins are specifically natural poisons made by living creatures, whereas toxic substances encompass a broader range that includes synthetic and non-biological poisons as well.