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Question #46953
The Question
A researcher subjects a culture of Mycoplasma and a typical Gram-positive bacterium to a hypotonic medium containing Amphotericin-B (an antimicrobial agent that binds to membrane sterols to form pores). Which of the following accurately describes the most likely outcome and its underlying structural basis?
Options
- A.
Mycoplasma undergoes osmotic lysis as the drug disrupts its sterol-containing cell membrane, whereas the Gram-positive bacterium resists lysis due to its intact peptidoglycan cell wall.
- B.
Both organisms resist osmotic lysis because prokaryotic cell membranes inherently lack sterols, rendering Amphotericin-B completely ineffective.
- C.
The Gram-positive bacterium undergoes lysis due to cell wall degradation by the drug, while Mycoplasma survives using its rigid pseudomurein layer.
- D.
Mycoplasma survives by actively pumping out excess water, whereas the Gram-positive bacterium lyses because Amphotericin-B inhibits its peptidoglycan synthesis.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Mycoplasma|DNA_Polymerase|5'-3' Orientation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that Mycoplasma lacks a cell wall (NCERT fact), but fail to synthesize how it maintains structural integrity (via membrane sterols) and its consequent vulnerability to osmotic shock when those sterols are targeted.
The trap lies in confusing the targets of different antimicrobial agents (cell wall vs. membrane sterols) and their distinct roles in osmotic homeostasis.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biological Classification - Class 11 |
| Concept | Mycoplasma Sensitivity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |