| Definition: |
Glycophospholipids that are the components of endotoxins held responsible for the toxicity of Gram-negative bacteria. Lipid A is the innermost of the three regions of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecule, and its hydrophobic nature allows it to anchor the LPS to the outer membrane. Four acyl chains attached directly to two (1->6)-linked glucosamine sugars are beta-hydroxy acyl chains usually between 10 and 16 carbons in length. Two additional acyl chains are often attached to the beta-hydroxy group. |