Question

Which part of Gram-Negative Cell acts as an endotoxin?

a) Lipid A
b) Peptidoglycan layer
c) Capsule
d) Flagellum

Answer 1

The lipid A component of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer membrane of Gram-negative cells functions as an endotoxin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The part of Gram-negative cells that acts as an endotoxin is Lipid A. Lipid A is the lipid component of the outer membrane's lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that exhibits toxic properties. When Gram-negative bacteria die or multiply, they can release endotoxin, leading to symptoms such as fever, hemorrhage, and septic shock. In high concentrations, this endotoxin can cause severe inflammatory responses, dramatically lowering blood pressure and leading to multi-organ failure or death.