Difference Between Mycoplasma and Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms. They are classified as prokaryotic organisms because they lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles. Bacteria are classified as belonging to one of three major domains.

They are widespread and come in a variety of genera. Mycoplasma is a distinct genus of bacteria that lacks a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane. As a result, mycoplasma are known as wall-less bacteria. The primary distinction between bacteria and mycoplasma is that bacteria have a cell wall and a distinct shape, whereas mycoplasma lacks both a cell wall and a distinct shape.

Difference between mycoplasma and bacteria

Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma is a bacterial genus in which all species lack a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane. The shape of the organism is determined by the cell wall. Mycoplasma does not have a definite shape because it lacks a cell wall.

They have a lot of pleomorphism. Mycoplasma is a gram-negative, aerobic or facultative aerobic bacteria genus. The genus Mycoplasma contains approximately 200 different species. Only a few of them are known to cause human disease. Human pathogens of four species have been identified as causing significant clinical infections. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Ureaplasma species are among them. Mycoplasma is the smallest bacteria ever discovered, with the smallest genomes and the fewest essential organelles.

Mycoplasma species are resistant to common antibiotics such as penicillin and beta-lactam antibiotics that target cell walls. Their infections are chronic and difficult to diagnose and treat. Mycoplasma contaminated cell cultures, causing major issues in research labs and industries.

Bacteria

Bacteria are prokaryotic single-celled organisms. They were among the first organisms to appear on the planet. They are everywhere because they can live in soil, water, air, and even within other organisms. Bacteria have a simple internal structure with a single free-floating chromosome genome.

Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA found in bacteria. Bacteria have a cell wall that protects them from environmental dangers. Some bacteria have an extra outermost cover called a capsule that provides additional protection. Bacteria lack specialised cellular structures and membrane-bound organelles.

Flagella are locomotory structures found in motile bacteria. Bacteria have pili, which are small thread-like structures that wrap around the cell. Ribosomes are found in bacteria and serve as the site of mRNA translation and protein synthesis, both of which are required for growth and reproduction.

Characteristic of Mycoplasma

• Common in bacteria or cyanobacteria and mycoplasma

• They are extremely small and non-motile in nature

• Mycoplasma is a prokaryotic organism that can be parasitic or saprophytic

• They have a polymorphic shape

• They are able to do so because they lack a cell wall

• Any shape can be transformed

• Mycoplasma’s cellular components include DNA strands, RNA granules, proteins, and ribosomes

• They can also pass through a 220 nm pore size bacterial filter

• The chemical composition is made up of approximately 4% DNA and 8% RNA

• Mycoplasma has a more complex structure than viruses

• Mycoplasma is responsible for diseases such as Chesnutt yellow disease. A yellow areca leaf and a brinjal leaf

Characteristics of Bacteria

• Bacteria are simple, unicellular, and primitive organisms that can be found almost anywhere

• In nature, the bacteria are autotrophic, parasitic, saprophytic and symbiotic

• Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms that lack a well-developed genetic system

• It lacks cellulose but has a mucopeptide-based cell wall that is rigid

• Bacteria can be both motile and nonmotile

• Bacterial sexual reproduction is almost always absent. Genetic recombination is one of the processes that occur in some bacteria

• Reproduction occurs through fission or budding

• Spores, conidia, and endospores reproduce asexually

Conclusion

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms. Mycoplasma is a distinct genus of bacteria that lacks a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane. As a result, mycoplasma are known as wall-less bacteria. The primary distinction between bacteria and mycoplasma is that bacteria have a cell wall and a distinct shape, whereas mycoplasma lacks both a cell wall and a distinct shape. Bacteria are prokaryotic single-celled organisms. The presence of a cell wall distinguishes mycoplasma from mycobacterium. Mycobacterium is a bacterial genus in which all species have a thick, protective, and waxy cell wall. Mycoplasma is another unusual bacterial genus in which none of the species have a cell wall surrounding their cell membrane.