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Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
Published on: June 20, 2011
Detection of genital mycoplasmas by PCR
C B Gilroy1, D Taylor-Robinson
1The Jefferiss Trust Research Laboratories, Imperial College School of Medicine at St. Mary's, London, UK.
Methods in Molecular Medicine
|March 11, 2011
Summary
Mycoplasmas, the smallest self-replicating prokaryotes, belong to the class Mollicutes. These organisms evolved from Gram-positive bacteria through genome reduction, forming a diverse taxonomic group.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Mycoplasmas are the smallest known prokaryotes capable of self-replication.
- They are classified within the class Mollicutes, characterized by their 'soft-skin'.
- Mollicutes have undergone reductive evolution from Gram-positive bacterial ancestors, specifically certain clostridia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the class Mollicutes.
- To clarify the taxonomy and nomenclature of mollicutes and mycoplasmas.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and taxonomic data.
- Analysis of evolutionary pathways through genome reduction.
Main Results:
- The class Mollicutes encompasses four orders, five families, and eight genera.
- Mycoplasmas represent a unique evolutionary lineage characterized by significant genome reduction.
Conclusions:
- The term 'mollicute' broadly refers to any organism within the class.
- While 'mycoplasma' technically denotes a genus, it is often used informally for any mollicute.
