Structure of Mycoplasma:
Mycoplasma is unicellular, microscopic prokaryote which is withour cell wall. It is bounded by a single plasmalemma which is three layered and made up of lipoprotein, phospholipid and cholesterol. The plasmalemma is selectuely permeable and its thickness is 80 to 100 A0. The plasmalemma encloses cytoplasm which is without membrane bounded orgenelles but has 70S ribosomes. The cytoplasm has nucleoid which includes one nacked & double helical DNA. In addition,
Reproduction of Mycoplasma:
Mycro plasma reprodce by fission, budding & young elementary bodies. Sexual & asexual reproduction are absent.
The reproduction by young elementary bodies is important. In this method, the mycoplasma develops many small & round bodies called elementary bodies. Gradually they develop to form secondary and tertiary bodies. On maturation, they release from the mother cell & form quaternary bodies which finally form Mycoplasma.
Mycoplarm is transmitted in plants through leaf hopper insect. They are also transmitted during plantation. It is transmitted from plant to plant by Amarbel (Mistletoe).
