The bacterial outer membrane is found in Gram-negative bacteria. Its composition is distinct from that of the cytoplasmic membrane - among other things, the outer leaflet of the membrane include a complex lipopolysaccharide whose lipid portion acts as an endotoxin - and it is linked to the cell's peptidoglycan by Braun's lipoprotein.
Porins can be found in this layer.[1]
Clinical significance
If endotoxin enters the circulatory system it causes a toxic reaction with the sufferer having a high temperature and respiration rate and a low blood pressure. This may lead to endotoxic shock, which may be fatal.
References
- ^ van der Ley P, Heckels JE, Virji M, Hoogerhout P, Poolman JT (September 1991). "Topology of outer membrane porins in pathogenic Neisseria spp". Infection and immunity 59 (9): 2963–71. PMID 1652557. PMC: 258120. http://iai.asm.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=1652557.
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