What feature of mycobacteria is responsible for the unusually slow growth of these bacteria?
A) Their low tolerance for oxygen retards their growth.
B) They cannot fully metabolize carbohydrates and must rely on fermentation.
C) They lack a cell wall and are extremely fragile.
D) The mycolic acid in their cell walls requires signification metabolic investment.
E) They have limited numbers of ribosomes so protein production is slow.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mycolic acid in the cell walls of mycobacteria is complex and requires significant metabolic resources to synthesize, which contributes to their slow growth rate.

What Feature of Mycobacteria Is Responsible for the Unusually Slow