The Cell Walls of Mycobacteria Make Them Vulnerable to Water

Question

The cell walls of mycobacteria make them vulnerable to water soluble chemical agents.

Accepted Answer

The cell walls of mycobacteria are composed of mycolic acids and other hydrophobic compounds, which make them relatively impermeable to most water soluble chemical agents. This is why some mycobacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and leprosy, can be difficult to treat with traditional antibiotics.