lipopolysaccharide

[ lahyp-oh-pol-ee-sak-uh-rahyd, -rid, lahy-poh- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of polysaccharides to which lipids are attached.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lipopolysaccharide¹

First recorded in 1950–55; lipo- ¹ + polysaccharide

Example Sentences

Researchers found that the macrophages from bone marrow responded differently on their own to interferon gamma, a protein produced by cells in response to infection, and lipopolysaccharide, a molecule found in some bacteria that stimulates the immune system.

From Science Daily

In laboratory experiments, the compound stopped a critical building block - a lipopolysaccharide - being transported to the outer part of the cell, preventing the protective membrane from forming properly and ultimately leading to cell death.

From BBC

The drug kicks into gear only in the presence of lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial toxin.

From Los Angeles Times

This toxin was later recognized to be lipopolysaccharide, or LPS, a component of the outer membrane of certain types of bacteria.

From Salon

Figure 1 | Feedback inhibition regulates lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis.

From Nature