Which of the following bacteria lacks a peptidoglycan layer?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To tackle this question, we first recall the key structural difference among bacteria regarding their cell walls. Peptidoglycan is a major component of most bacterial cell walls, forming a mesh-like layer that provides rigidity.
Option 1: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These bacteria have a waxy, mycolic acid-rich cell wall in addition to peptidoglycan, but they do possess a peptidoglycan layer, albeit with a unique, lipid-rich outer barrier. So this option does not describe a bacterium that lacks peptidoglycan.
Option 2: Staphylococcus aureus. This is a classic Gram-positive bacterium with a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall and no absence of peptidoglycan. Therefore, this choice is incorrect for the stated property.
Option 3: Mycoplasma spp. Mycoplasmas are well known for lacking a peptidoglycan layer entirely and instead have sterol-containing membranes that provide stability. This is a defining characteristic that sets them apart from other bacteria.
Option 4: Streptococcus pyogenes. Like Staphylococcus aureus, this organism has a thick peptidoglycan cell wall typical of Gram-positive bacteria, so it certainly does not lack peptidoglycan.
In summary, the only candidate among the options that fits the description of lacking a peptidoglycan layer is Mycoplasma spp., due to its membrane-based stability without peptidoglycan. Other listed genera rely on a conventional peptidoglycan-containing cell wall structure to maintain shape and integrity.

Which of the following bacteria lacks a peptidoglycan layer?

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