Final answer:
LPS is composed of Lipid A, a core polysaccharide, and an O-specific polysaccharide side chain; Lipid A is the toxic component that promotes inflammation and fever in gram-negative bacterial infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic structure of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) comprises three components: Lipid A, a core polysaccharide, and an O-specific polysaccharide side chain. Lipid A is embedded in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacterial cells and is known for its endotoxic effects, which can promote inflammation and fever. The core polysaccharide is linked to both Lipid A and the O side chain, forming a link between the lipid and the outer polysaccharide component. The O side chain, which consists of sugar-like molecules, varies between different species and strains of bacteria and contributes to the bacteria's ability to evade the immune system.
LPS is found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria and plays a crucial role in bacterial pathogenicity. It can cause severe symptoms in infections, like fever, hemorrhaging, and septic shock. LPS is a key molecule to understand in the study of bacterial structure and infection mechanisms.