Question:

Given below are two statements :
Statement (I) : Phytoplasmas are wall less bacteria.
Statement (II) : Phytoplasma do possess flagella.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

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Because phytoplasmas lack a cell wall, they are completely resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (like penicillin) which target cell wall synthesis.
However, they are highly sensitive to tetracyclines, which target bacterial protein synthesis on ribosomes.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Phytoplasmas are specialized prokaryotes that cause diseases in hundreds of plant species.
They are obligate parasites that live in the phloem of host plants and are transmitted by sap-sucking insect vectors (primarily leafhoppers).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze both statements individually:
Statement (I): "Phytoplasmas are wall less bacteria."
This statement is correct.
Phytoplasmas belong to the class Mollicutes (related to mycoplasmas).
Unlike typical bacteria, they completely lack a peptidoglycan cell wall, and their cytoplasm is enclosed only by a single trilamellar unit membrane.
Because they lack a cell wall, they are highly pleomorphic (meaning they can change shape, appearing as spherical, filamentous, or irregular bodies) to fit through the narrow sieve tube pores of the host phloem.
Statement (II): "Phytoplasma do possess flagella."
This statement is incorrect.
Phytoplasmas are completely non-motile prokaryotes.
They do not possess flagella, pili, or any other structural organs for active self-propulsion.
Instead, they are transported passively within the plant host through the flow of phloem sap, and are spread from plant to plant by the feeding activities of their insect vectors.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Statement (I) is correct, but Statement (II) is incorrect.
This corresponds to Option (C).
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