Which biochemical property differentiates Ureaplasma urealyticum from Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma hominis?
- A Ability to hydrolyse urea with liberation of ammonia ✓
- B Requirement of cholesterol for growth
- C Absence of a cell wall
- D Fermentation of glucose with acid production
Correct answer: A. Ability to hydrolyse urea with liberation of ammonia
Explanation
Ureaplasma urealyticum is unique among human mycoplasmas in possessing a strong urease that splits urea to ammonia, giving the genus its name. All mycoplasmas lack a cell wall and require cholesterol or related sterols for membrane synthesis, so options B and C are shared properties and cannot differentiate. Glucose fermentation is typical of M. pneumoniae and M. fermentans, not the defining feature of Ureaplasma.
Reference: Ananthanarayan and Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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