Which of the following statements about the outer membrane is true?
A) it contains an endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) which is responsible for fever and potentially serious complications in human infections
B) it prevents the cell from lysing when fluids flow into the cell
C) treatment with antibiotics which kill the bacteria will reduce the concentration of endotoxin
D) it is a space that is very active in cell metabolism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The outer membrane contains an endotoxin called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) which has been implicated in causing fever and potentially serious complications in human infections. LPS is released when the bacteria is killed, making antibiotics that kill the bacteria effective in reducing endotoxin concentration. The outer membrane also helps protect the cell from the external environment, but it does not actively participate in cell metabolism.

Which of the Following Statements About the Outer Membrane Is