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Multiple Choice
Which group of organisms is exclusively responsible for the production of endotoxins?
A
Archaea
B
Fungi
C
Gram-negative bacteria
D
Gram-positive bacteria
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of endotoxins: Endotoxins are toxic components found in the outer membrane of certain bacteria, specifically part of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) layer.
Recall that endotoxins are not secreted but are released when the bacterial cell wall is disrupted or the bacteria die.
Identify which group of organisms possess an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides: this is characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria.
Recognize that Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer but lack an outer membrane and therefore do not produce endotoxins; instead, they may produce exotoxins.
Conclude that among the options given, only Gram-negative bacteria are exclusively responsible for the production of endotoxins.