Question

Which one of the following statements about mycoplasma is wrong?

• A. they are pleomorphic
• B. they are sensitive to penicillin
• C. they cause diseases in plants
• D. they are also called PPLO.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine which statement about mycoplasma is incorrect, let's go through each option and evaluate them based on our knowledge of mycoplasma.

1. Option 1: They are pleomorphic.
   Mycoplasmas are indeed pleomorphic. This means they do not have a fixed shape because they lack a rigid cell wall, unlike other bacteria. This statement is true.
2. Option 2: They are sensitive to penicillin.
   Penicillin acts by interfering with the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is a component of bacterial cell walls. Mycoplasmas lack cell walls, hence they are not affected by penicillin. Therefore, this statement is false.
3. Option 3: They cause diseases in plants.
   Mycoplasmas are known to cause a variety of diseases in plants, including those that affect crops and horticultural plants. Thus, this statement is true.
4. Option 4: They are also called PPLO.
   PPLO stands for Pleuropneumonia-Like Organisms, which is another name for mycoplasmas. This statement is true.

Based on the above evaluation, the incorrect statement about mycoplasmas is Option 2: "They are sensitive to penicillin."