Which of the following is a common characteristic of endotoxins?

Endotoxins are a unique type of toxin associated specifically with Gram-negative bacteria. One of their defining characteristics is that they are found in the outer membrane of these bacteria, particularly as part of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) component. When these bacteria die or undergo lysis, endotoxins are released into the surrounding environment, triggering strong immune responses in the host.

This characteristic sets endotoxins apart from other types of toxins, such as exotoxins, which are actively secreted by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and can be heat-labile. Additionally, endotoxins are not synthesized in the same way as proteins during bacterial replication; rather, they are integral components of the bacterial structure itself. This structural role of endotoxins contributes significantly to the pathogenicity of Gram-negative bacteria and is crucial for understanding their effects in disease and infection.