An infectious agent isolated from a diseased plant is subjected to laboratory analysis. It is found to be a living cell that can multiply in an oxygen-free environment. Further microscopic examination reveals that it is exceptionally small in size and completely lacks a cell wall. To which of the following groups does this organism most likely belong?

Step-by-step solution

The organism is described as a living cell, which rules out acellular infectious agents like viruses and viroids. The ability to multiply in an oxygen-free environment indicates it can survive without oxygen. Furthermore, being exceptionally small and completely lacking a cell wall are defining characteristics of Mycoplasma. According to NCERT, Mycoplasma are organisms that completely lack a cell wall, are the smallest living cells known, can survive without oxygen, and many are pathogenic in animals and plants. Th