Discuss how the structure of Gramnegative bacteria contribut

Discuss how the structure of Gram-negative bacteria contributes to the ability of these organisms to cause disease.

Solution

The outer membrane help the bacteria to attach / adhere to the host cell causing disease. The outer membrane mainly consist of lipopolysaccride(LPS), protein and phospholipid.

Further the lipopolysaccride(LPS) in the outer membrane acts as \'endotoxin\' stimulating immune response in the host. LPS is the virulence factor (Virulence factors helps the pathogen to (1) invade/enter the host, (2) cause disease, and (3) fight host defenses) which ultimately causes disease in the host. The LPS endotoxins of Gram-negative bacteria can cause fever, alteration in blood pressure, inflammation, shock, and many harmful toxic events.