Question

How are membrane-forming envelopes in mycobacteria characterized?

Answer 1

Mycobacteria:

1. Mycobacterium is an Actinomycetota genus that belongs to the Mycobacteriaceae family.
2. This genus has more than 190 species.
3. Pathogens in this genus have been linked to major diseases in mammals, including tuberculosis and leprosy in humans.

Characterization of membranes that form envelopes in mycobacteria:

1. Low permeability characterizes the membrane that forms the shell of mycobacteria.
2. It makes microorganisms resistant to therapeutic factors.
3. They have two distinct characteristics: an exterior lipid barrier based on a mycolic acid monomer and a capsule-like covering of polysaccharides along with protein.
4. C60-C90 fatty acids are abundant in cell walls and the mycolic acids are covalently linked to arabinogalactan.