Multiple choice

Which of these can contribute to this toxicity of the lipopolysaccharide?

Lipopolysaccharide can act as an endotoxin, and cause some of the symptoms that arise in gram negative bacterial infections.

  1. Core polysaccharide

  2. Braun's lipoprotein

  3. O antigen

  4. Lipid A

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

It is a major constituent of the outer membrane and is often toxic. The outer leaflet of the membrane comprises of a complex lipopolysaccharide whose lipid portion acts as an endotoxin. If the endotoxin enters the circulatory system, it causes a toxic reaction resulting in high temperature, high respiration rate and low blood pressure. This may lead to endotoxic shock which may be fatal.