Lipopolysaccharide, structure and biological effects

Abstract

Lipopolysaccharide is an integral part of the cell wall of Gram negative bacteria. It is a complex molecule that is involved in a variety of functions both related to the cell to which it is comprised and the extracellular environment. It is composed of three regions, with two of the three exposed to the external environment. Lipopolysaccharide is serologically active in that host specific antibodies are produced that react with the O-side chains which comprise outer most region of the lipopolysaccharide structure. The endotoxic component resides in Region III which can cause fatal sepsis in high enough concentrations.