MICROBIOLOGY

ASSIGNMENT

PAPER – 2: MICROBIAL DIVERSITY

TOPIC: MOLLICUTES

SUBMITTED BY: SAKSHI SHARMA

M.Sc. – 1 (MICROBIOLOGY)
UNIV ROLL NO. 190014245021
 MOLLICUTES

DOMAIN :- Bacteria

PHYLUM :- Tenericutes

CLASS :- Mollicutes

The class mollicutes is placed in the phylum Tenericutes. Tenericutes includes all bacteria
that lack walls and do not synthesize peptidoglycan precursors. The mollicutes are commonly
called mycoplasmas; these bacteria are characterized by the absence of cell walls, their small
genomes, and simplified metabolic pathways. Their small genome appears to be the result of
genome reduction such that they now lack a variety of metabolic capabilities, including the
ability to synthesize peptidoglycan precursors. Because members of mollicutes are bound
only by a plasma membrane, these bacteria are pleomorphic, varying in shape from spherical
or pear-shaped microbes from 0.3-0.8 µm in diameter, to slender branched or helical
filaments. Some mycoplasmas have a specialized terminal structure that projects from the cell
and gives them a flask or pear shape. This structure aids in attachment to eukaryotic cells.
They are among the smallest bacteria capable of self-reproductive. Most species are
facultative anaerobes, but a few are obligate anaerobes. When grown on agar, most form
colonies with a “fried rice” appearance because they grow into the agar surface at the centre
while spreading outward on the surface at the colony edges.

Mollicutes genomes are among the smallest found among bacteria, ranging from 0.7 to
1.7Mb.The genomes of the human pathogens Mycoplasma genitalium, M.pneumoniae, and
ureaplasma urealyticum have fewer than 1,000 genes, suggesting a minimal genome size for
a free-living existence. Their limited number of genes reflects their inability to synthesize a
number of macromolecules.
 MYCOPLASMA
Mycoplasma species are the smallest free-living organisms(150-250nm)
Pleomorphic organisms.
Discovered in the pleural field of cattle suffering from pleuropneumonia.
Often called MLO (mycoplasma like organism) or PPLO (pleuropneumonia like
organism).
They range from small, spherical
bodies of about 10nm diameter
(elementary bodies) to large, irregular
bodies with bigger diameters. There
are also elongate forms and their
forms vary with the cultural
conditions.
They are both parasitic and
saprophytic.
Coccus elongated or filamentous
branched myeloid forms.
Lack nucleus and other membrane organelles.
Sterols are the essential component of the mycoplasma membrane where they may
facilitate osmotic stability in the absence of a cell wall.
Mycoplasma genome is circular double stranded DNA molecule.
Mycoplasma genome has low (G + C) content.

Culture of Mycoplasma

 Mycoplasma can be cultured on liquid or

solid medium.
 Medium of growth should be enriched with
20% horse or human serum.
 PPLO broth – enriched media with phenol
red.

 Penicillin, ampicillin and polymyxin B

inhabits contaminants.
 Incubate for 48-72 hours.

Mycoplasma are evolved as a branch of the low guanine + cytosine gram positive bacteria
and are most closely related to two clostridia, clostridium innoccum and C. ramosum.

Pathogenesis

 Pathogenic organisms for humans and animals possess

specialized tip organelles that mediate their interaction with host
cells.
 This host-adapted survival is achieved by
i) surface parasitism of target cells.
ii) the acquisition of essential biosynthetic precursors.
iii) cell entry and intracellular survival.
 Mycoplasma pneumonia spread by close contact while
Ureoplasma urealyticum spread through sexual contact.

PHYTOPLASMA
Phytoplasma are obligate bacterial parasite of plant phloem tissue and of the
insect vectors that are involved in their plant to plant transmission.
It was discovered in 1967 by Japanese scientist who termed them mycoplasma
like organisms.
Phytoplasmas are transmitted from plant to plant by insect vectors, mainly
leafhoppers and psyllids.
Round or elongate.
Characterized by lack of cell wall, pleomorphic filamentous shape.
DNA is distributed throughout the cytoplasm.

Symptoms due to phytoplasma

 Abnormal floral organ development including phyllody.
 Phyllody
 Little leaf
 Sterility of flowers
 Witches broom
 Slender shoots
 Stunting, leaf curling
 Generalized decline, Bunchy
growth etc.

Disease caused by phytoplasma

 Peach X disease
 Little leaf of brinjal.
 Poinsettia
 Grassy shoot disease of sugarcane

Diagnosis

 ELISA (Enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay)

 PCR (Polymerase chain reaction)
 RFLP (Restriction fragment length polymorphism)
 Quantitative PCR
 Bioimaging
 Loop mediated isothermal amplification.

SPIROPLASMA
A group of small bacteria without cell walls.
Spiroplasma are helical, prokaryotic microorganisms associated with a few
diseases in plants.
These organisms lack true cell wall.
The cell is surrounded by a triple-layered unit membrane.
The cell of Spiroplasma can vary in shape. They may be spherical, slightly
ovoid or helical.
Spiroplasma show rapid rotary or screw
motion.
There are no flagella present in these
organisms.
Spiroplasmas require sterols for their
growth on culture media.
Spiroplasmas are resistant to penicillin.
They are sensitive to tentracyclines.
Spiroplasmas can be transmitted by insects, dodder and grafting.
The cell contains both DNA and RNA.
Grow well at 30℃ but not at 37℃.
Cause cataract and neurological damage in sucking mice.
Fastidious organisms which require rich culture medium.
Example: Spiroplasma kunkelli: corn stunt disease.

REFERENCES
 1.) Prescott’s Microbiology - Prescott , Harley & Klein , Ninth edition

2.) Microbiology – An Introduction -Tortora, Funke & Case , Tenth Edition

3.) Plant Pathology – George N.Agrios , Fifth Edition

4.) Picture Courtesy : Mollicutes images – Google Search