Botulism is caused by ingesting __________.ANSWERexotoxinsGram-negative organismsendotoxinsacid-fast organisms

Botulism is caused by ingesting exotoxins. The bacterium that primarily causes botulism is Clostridium botulinum, which produces a potent neurotoxin. This toxin interferes with the transmission of nerve signals, leading to muscle paralysis and potentially fatal respiratory failure.

C. botulinum can be found in improperly canned foods, smoked fish, and other food products that provide an anaerobic environment conducive to the growth of the bacteria. It is important to differentiate between types of toxins; exotoxins are released by bacteria into the surrounding environment, while endotoxins are part of the bacterial cell wall of Gram-negative organisms and are not released until the bacteria die and break down.

In summary, the ingestion of the neurotoxin produced by C. botulinum is what causes botulism, making exotoxins the correct answer to the question.