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Question #46955
The Question
A researcher isolates the smallest known living cell, which is found to be pathogenic to both plants and animals. When treated with penicillin (a -lactam antibiotic that inhibits peptidoglycan cross-linking), the organism exhibits absolute innate resistance despite lacking any plasmids for horizontal gene transfer. Which of the following statements correctly explains this phenomenon and identifies a true characteristic of this organism?
Options
- A.
The organism is Mycoplasma; it achieves resistance by actively pumping the antibiotic out of the cell, and it is an obligate anaerobe.
- B.
The organism is Mycoplasma; its resistance is a paradoxical advantage of lacking a cell wall, and it is an obligate aerobe.
- C.
The organism is Mycoplasma; its resistance is due to the evolutionary loss of peptidoglycan synthesis pathways, and it can survive without oxygen.
- D.
The organism is a Viroid; its resistance is due to the absence of a cellular structure, and it contains free RNA of low molecular weight.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Mycoplasma|70S_Ribosome|Protein_Inhibition
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the isolated fact that 'Mycoplasma lacks a cell wall' but fail to synthesize how this structural deficiency translates to innate antibiotic resistance (target absence vs. active resistance mechanisms like efflux pumps or beta-lactamase).
The secondary trap relies on precise NCERT phrasing regarding their oxygen requirement ('can survive without oxygen' implies they are facultative, not obligate).
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 |