Which of the following cellular components is considered an endotoxin that is harmless as long as the pathogen remains intact but when released by a lysed cell overstimulates host defenses, which may result in a lethal endotoxic shock? Choose one:A. Periplasmic proteins B. The cell wall C. Lipopolysaccharides D. Inner membrane phospholipids

C. Lipopolysaccharides

Explanation:

The lipopolysaccharides present in the outer membrane of cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria are released when the microbial cell lyses and hence, are called an endotoxin.

The lipid A of lipopolysaccharide is responsible for systemic responses such as fever, clotting of blood, weakness, inflammation, etc. Lipopolysaccharide induces the macrophages of host to release pyrogens such as cytokine interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, etc. The overall effect is sepsis and reduced blood pressure, that is the septic shock.