Mycoplasma differs from viruses in

Options

A. lacking cell wall
B. occurring in nature
C. filterable through Chamberland's bacteria proof filters
D. having both DNA and RNA

Answer

To answer the question "Mycoplasma differs from viruses in," we will analyze the characteristics of both mycoplasma and viruses based on the provided options.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Mycoplasma**:
- Mycoplasma is a genus of bacteria that are unique because they lack a cell wall. They are among the smallest living organisms and can reproduce independently.

2. **Understanding Viruses**:
- Viruses are not classified as living organisms when outside a host. They are essentially genetic material (DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat and require a host cell to replicate and perform metabolic functions.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Lacking cell wall**: This is true for mycoplasma, but viruses do not have a cell wall either, so this option does not differentiate them.
- **Occurring in nature**: Both mycoplasma and viruses can be found in nature, so this option does not differentiate them.
- **Filterable food**: This term is not relevant to the differences between mycoplasma and viruses.
- **Chamberlain's bacteria proof filters**: Mycoplasma can pass through filters that trap bacteria, but viruses can also pass through these filters. Thus, this option does not provide a clear distinction.
- **Having both DNA and RNA**: Mycoplasma contains both DNA and RNA, while viruses typically contain either DNA or RNA, but not both.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The main difference between mycoplasma and viruses is that mycoplasma has both DNA and RNA, while viruses have either DNA or RNA. Therefore, the correct answer is "having both DNA and RNA."

### Final Answer:
Mycoplasma differs from viruses in having both DNA and RNA.

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