Question:

Which of the following are the properties of Mollicutes
A. Lack of a defined cell wall
B. Resistance to penicillin
C. Pleomorphic shape
D. Resistance to tetracycline
E. Parasitism on eukaryotic organisms
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Mollicutes = "Soft skin" (Mollis = soft, cutis = skin).
No cell wall \(\rightarrow\) No Penicillin effect.
They are often treated with Tetracyclines or Erythromycin because these target protein synthesis, not the wall.
  • A, B, C and D only
  • A, C, D and E only
  • A, B, C, D and E
  • A, B, C and E only
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Mollicutes (including Phytoplasmas and Mycoplasmas) are a unique class of bacteria that are significantly different from standard walled bacteria. The question asks to identify their defining biological and medical properties.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Lack of cell wall (A and C): Mollicutes are the only prokaryotes that naturally lack a cell wall. Because they only have a flexible triple-layered plasma membrane, they do not have a fixed shape and are described as pleomorphic.

Antibiotic Sensitivity (B and D):
- Penicillin: This antibiotic works by inhibiting the synthesis of the peptidoglycan cell wall. Since Mollicutes have no cell wall, penicillin has no target and they are inherently resistant (Statement B is true).
- Tetracycline: This antibiotic inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit. Mollicutes have standard bacterial ribosomes and are generally highly sensitive to tetracycline. Therefore, Statement D ("Resistance to tetracycline") is False.

Parasitism (E): Most known species are parasites of animals, humans, or plants (Phytoplasmas), often residing within host cells or tissues.
Final Answer:
The correct properties are A, B, C, and E. Resistance to tetracycline is not a property of this group. Thus, option (D) is the correct choice.
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