NEETBotanyBiological Classification
A microbiologist observes a prokaryotic organism 'X' under a microscope and estimates its size to be about 0.1 m . Based on this size, which of the following statements is correct regarding organism 'X'?
Options
- AIt completely lacks a cell wall and can survive without oxygen.
- BIt possesses a rigid cell wall made primarily of peptidoglycan.
- CIt is an obligate intracellular parasite enclosed by a protein coat.
- DIt contains membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria.
Correct answer
A. It completely lacks a cell wall and can survive without oxygen.
Step-by-step solution
According to the NCERT textbook, the size of PPLO (Pleuro Pneumonia Like Organisms) is about 0.1 m . PPLO are a type of Mycoplasma. Mycoplasma are prokaryotic organisms that completely lack a cell wall, are the smallest living cells known, and can survive without oxygen. Typical bacteria are larger ( 1-2 m ) and possess a peptidoglycan cell wall. Viruses can be in a similar size range ( 0.02-0.2 m ) but are obligate intracellular parasites with a protein coat, not prokaryotic organisms. Eukaryotic cells are much la