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Smallest organism capable of autonomous ...

Smallest organism capable of autonomous growth and reproduction is

A

Virus

B

Bacteria

C

Mycoplasma

D

Bacteriophage

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
To determine the smallest organism capable of autonomous growth and reproduction from the options provided (virus, bacteria, mycoplasma, bacteriophage), we can analyze each option step by step. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Options:** - We have four options: virus, bacteria, mycoplasma, and bacteriophage. 2. **Analyzing Viruses:** - Viruses are known to be the smallest infectious agents. However, they are not considered living organisms because they cannot reproduce or grow independently. They require a host cell's machinery to replicate. Therefore, viruses do not fit the criteria of autonomous growth and reproduction. **Hint:** Remember that viruses need a host to reproduce. 3. **Analyzing Bacteria:** - Bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms that possess circular DNA and can reproduce independently through a process called binary fission. They are capable of autonomous growth and reproduction. However, they are not the smallest organisms. **Hint:** Consider the size and reproductive capabilities of bacteria. 4. **Analyzing Mycoplasma:** - Mycoplasma are a type of bacteria that are known to be the smallest living organisms. They can grow and reproduce independently through binary fission, making them capable of autonomous growth and reproduction. This fits the criteria of the question as they are indeed the smallest. **Hint:** Mycoplasma are unique for being the smallest and capable of independent life. 5. **Analyzing Bacteriophage:** - Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Like other viruses, they cannot reproduce independently and rely on a host cell for replication. Therefore, they do not meet the criteria for autonomous growth and reproduction. **Hint:** Bacteriophages are also viruses and share the same limitations as viruses. 6. **Conclusion:** - After analyzing all the options, we find that the smallest organism capable of autonomous growth and reproduction is **mycoplasma**. ### Final Answer: **Mycoplasma**
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