Final answer:
The antigens on gram-negative enteric bacteria that contribute to their pathogenicity are known as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are part of the outer membrane of their cell wall.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gram-negative enterics have antigens on their cell wall, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and which contribute to their pathogenicity. The correct answer to the given question is c. Lipopolysaccharides. These are molecules that consist of Lipid A, a core polysaccharide, and an O side chain, and are found in the outer membrane of the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria.
They can function as endotoxins and are associated with various symptoms of infections, such as fever and septic shock. Gram-negative bacteria’s LPS layer is an important virulence factor, which means it helps bacteria to infect the host and evade the immune system. These properties of LPS contribute significantly to the pathogenicity of these bacteria.