A complex molecule consisting of lipid and carbohydrate components found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Also known as endotoxin, it can trigger strong immune responses in animals.
From Greek 'lipos' (fat), 'poly' (many), and 'saccharide' (sugar), literally meaning 'fat-many-sugars'. The term was coined in the mid-20th century as the chemical structure of bacterial cell wall components was elucidated.
Lipopolysaccharide is like bacterial armor that doubles as a chemical weapon! It protects gram-negative bacteria from harsh environments, but when it gets into your bloodstream, your immune system goes into overdrive, potentially causing life-threatening septic shock.
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