Presence of proteins in cell wall
Mycoplasma are a distinctive group of bacteria that deviate from most prokaryotes because they lack a cell wall, an essential feature of many other bacterial species. This absence of a cell wall contributes to their unique characteristics and antibiotic resistance.
Step 1: Understanding Mycoplasma Characteristics - Mycoplasma species are unique because they lack a cell wall, which makes them resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin, which target cell wall synthesis. - Instead of a rigid cell wall, Mycoplasma have a flexible plasma membrane, reinforced with sterols that provide structural support. - These bacteria are the smallest known free-living organisms and can cause various diseases, including respiratory and urogenital infections.
Step 2: Evaluating the Options - Option (A) - Correct: The defining feature of Mycoplasma is their lack of a cell wall, setting them apart from typical prokaryotes. - Option (B) - Incorrect: Chitin is a polymer found in the cell walls of fungi, not in Mycoplasma. - Option (C) - Incorrect: Murein (peptidoglycan) is a key component of most bacterial cell walls but is absent in Mycoplasma. - Option (D) - Incorrect: Mycoplasma do not have a cell wall and thus do not contain wall proteins.
Step 3: Conclusion The absence of a cell wall is the key distinguishing feature of Mycoplasma, making option (A) the correct answer.
Which of the following microbes is NOT involved in the preparation of household products?
A. \(\textit{Aspergillus niger}\)
B. \(\textit{Lactobacillus}\)
C. \(\textit{Trichoderma polysporum}\)
D. \(\textit{Saccharomyces cerevisiae}\)
E. \(\textit{Propionibacterium sharmanii}\)