Aflatoxin is a

Correct option is D

✅ (d) mycotoxin
· Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi like Aspergillus flavus.
· Classified as mycotoxins due to their fungal origin and toxic nature.
· Contaminate crops such as groundnut, maize, and cereals under humid conditions.
· Known for carcinogenic and hepatotoxic effects on humans and animals.
❌ (a) vivotoxin
· Vivotoxins are toxic substances produced during host-pathogen interaction in living tissues.
· Aflatoxin is produced outside the host (pre-harvest or storage) and is not a vivotoxin.
❌ (b) phytoalexin
· Phytoalexins are antimicrobial compounds synthesized by plants in response to pathogen attack.
· Aflatoxins are fungal metabolites, not plant defense compounds.
❌ (c) pathotoxin
· Pathotoxins are toxins that play a direct role in causing disease symptoms in host plants.
· Aflatoxins are not classified as pathotoxins but as mycotoxins affecting post-harvest quality.