Which statement about mycoplasmas is not true? a. They lack...

Which statement about mycoplasmas is not true?
$a$. They lack cell walls.
b. They are the smallest known cellular organisms.
$c .$ They contain the same amount of DNA as do other prokaryotes.
$d$. They cannot be killed with penicillin.
$e .$ Some are pathogens.

Key Concepts

Mycoplasmas

Mycoplasmas are a group of bacteria that are noteworthy for their lack of a cell wall. This characteristic makes them the smallest known cellular organisms with a minimal cellular structure, and it has significant implications on their physiology and susceptibility to antibiotics.

Cell Wall

The cell wall is a critical structure in most bacteria that provides shape, protection, and a target for antibiotics such as penicillin. The absence of a cell wall in mycoplasmas not only defines their structure but also means that they are unaffected by antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis.

Antibiotic Mechanism

Antibiotics like penicillin work by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a key component of bacterial cell walls. Since mycoplasmas lack this component, the typical mechanism of penicillin does not apply, rendering such antibiotics ineffective against them.

Genome Size in Prokaryotes

Prokaryotic organisms generally have genomes that are compact compared to eukaryotes, but there is variability among different groups. Mycoplasmas, while being among the smallest in terms of cell size, do not necessarily have a reduced amount of genetic material when compared to other prokaryotes, and their genome size must be understood in the context of their reduced cellular complexity.

Pathogenicity

Many mycoplasmas are pathogenic, meaning they can cause a range of diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Their unique structural characteristics and adaptation to specific host environments contribute to their ability to cause infections, which is an important aspect of their biological and clinical significance.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback