what is an endotoxin
Endotoxin is a component of the cell wall in Gram negative bacteria. Specifically, endotoxin is a major component of the outside portion of the outer membrane of the Gram negative cell wall. Endotoxin is a very strong pyrogen and is considered a bacterial toxin. Endotoxin is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS). There are two major parts to this molecule, the polysaccharide and lipid A. The polysaccharide is not toxic. It is hydrophilic and faces outward from the cell membrane and into the medium in which the bacteria is growing.