Characteristics of Mycoplasma | Free Biology Notes

In this article we will discuss about characteristics of mycoplasma

Characteristics of Mycoplasma

  • Mycoplasma are the smallest known living organisms and it lack cell wall.
  • They are various shapes, including spherical, filamentous, and pleomorphic.
  • These bacteria have a flexible cell membrane, allowing them to change shape.
  • Mycoplasma can be parasitic or commensal in nature, living in the respiratory, genital, and urinary tracts of animals and humans.
  • They are known for their resistance to antibiotics due to their lack of a cell wall.
  • They can cause diseases such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and reproductive disorders in animals and humans.
  • Mycoplasma reproduce by binary fission, leading to rapid population growth.
  • These bacteria can be transmitted through close contact, such as respiratory droplets and sexual activity.
  • Mycoplasma infections can be difficult to diagnose due to their slow growth in laboratory culture.
  • Some species of mycoplasma are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in humans.
  • These bacteria have a small genome and are known for their genetic diversity.
  • Mycoplasma are commonly used as model organisms for studying minimal cellular life.

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