Endotoxins are molecules produced by some strains of gram
negative bacteria. These toxins are composed of a combination of lipids and
carbohydrates, and occur attached to the bacterial cell membrane. They can elicit a
strong immune or toxic response from any tissue exposed to them, including inflammation,
hemorrhage, and massive cell destruction. Once this immune response begins, septic shock
may set in, causing many victims to experience high fevers and
chills.
Meningococcemia is one of a number of illnesses
that is associated with endotoxins. Others include salmonellosis, shigellosis,
pertussis, and cholera.
The key feature that
distinguishes endotoxins medically is that they remain attached to the bacterial cell
membrane, and do not cause a major body reaction until the cell is disrupted, either by
immune system responses or administration of
antibiotics.
Therefore
the best choice to answer your question is A. Endotoxins are not
normally secreted from cells as exotoxins would be, they remain within the bacteria
until the cell is
disrupted.
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