Toxins can cause significant damage to tissues, often identifiable under a microscope. For example, exposure to heavy metals like lead or mercury can lead to cellular degeneration, characterized by swollen mitochondria and fragmented endoplasmic reticulum. Some toxins, such as mycotoxins, produced by fungi, specifically target liver cells, causing necrosis and fibrosis. Additionally, neurotoxins like botulinum toxin can disrupt the synaptic vesicles in neurons, leading to impaired nerve function.
