Which of the Following Microbial Groups is Most Resistant to Desiccation

Question

Which of the following microbial groups is most resistant to desiccation due to their cell wall?
A) gram-positive
B) gram-negative
C) mycoplasmas
D) viruses

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, providing additional protection against desiccation compared to gram-negative bacteria, which only have a thin layer of peptidoglycan. Mycoplasmas are cell wall-less bacteria and are therefore more susceptible to desiccation. Viruses are not considered living organisms and do not have a cell wall, making them inherently resistant or susceptible to desiccation.