Fig. 1: Cytolysis of Gram-Negative Bacteria, Step-1

The Fab portion of IgG or IgM binds to epitopes on the outer membrane of the gram-negative cell wall. This activates the complement pathway enabling the membrane attack complex (MAC) to insert through the outer membrane and cytoplasmic membrane causing the bacterium to lyse.


Illustration of Cytolysis of Gram-Negative Bacteria, Step-1 .jpg by Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology, The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://cwoer.ccbcmd.edu/science/microbiology/index_gos.html.

Creative Commons License

Last updated: August, 2019
Please send comments and inquiries to Dr. Gary Kaiser