Question

Mycoplasma differs from viruses as

• A. It requires cholesterol.
• B. It can be grown on a cell free medium containing cholesterol.
• C. It is not always parasite.
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is B It can be grown on a cell free medium containing cholesterol.

Mycoplasmas are fastidious and can be cultured only on complex medium containing cholesterol. Viruses are acellular structures that cannot perform the vital activities outside the host. Hence, both depend on their cholesterol requirement on the host . Mycoplasmas are surface parasites and can be grown on cell-free culture medium containing sterols, fatty acids, and preformed purines and pyrimidines. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, with acellular structure, cannot independently fulfil the characteristics of life and hence can be cultured in living cells only. Mycoplasmas are not always parasite but also exist as parasite and saprophytes. Viruses are present as inactive acellular structures outside their host. Thus, the Correct answer is option B.