online medical dictionary | definition of mycoplasma

Prokaryotic microorganisms lacking cell walls and therefore resistant to many antibiotics. Formerly known as pleuro pneumonia like organisms (PPLO). A causative agent of pneumonia in humans and some domestic animals, is Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Troublesome contaminants of animal cell cultures, in which they may grow attached or close to cell surfaces, subtly altering properties of the cells, but escaping detection unless specifically monitored. Similar organisms, spiroplasms cause various diseases in plants.

This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology

(11 Mar 2008)