<prompt> Which of the following statements about Corynebacterium diphtheria is falseToxin production is mediated by native chromosomeOrganism may be identified by tests for toxigenicityToxin acts by inhibiting protein synthesisToxin may affect the hea and nerves  <response>: The toxigenicity of diphtheria bacillus depends on the intercellular presence of corynephage tox, which acts as the genetic determinant controlling toxin production. The toxin produced by all the strains of the diphtheria bacilli is qualitatively similar. The standard strain almost universally used for toxin production is the Park-Williams 8 strain. The toxin acts by inhibiting protein synthesis. It has a special affinity for ceain tissues such as myocardium, adrenals and nerve endings. Reference: Textbook of Microbiology; Anathanarayan and panickers; 10th edition; Page no: 240 