A group of bacteria lacks rigid cell walls and are resistant to gram stain. Name the substance is responsible for this unique characteristic.
Mycolic Acid
The substance responsible for the lack of rigid cell walls and resistance to gram stain in certain bacteria is called Mycolic acid. This is a waxy, hydrophobic substance that is found in the cell wall of acid-fast bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Nocardia. Mycolic acid plays an important role in the cell wall structure of these bacteria as it provides additional protection against the host immune system, as well as environmental stress such as changes in temperature, pH, and osmotic pressure. Mycolic acid also contributes to the resistance of these bacteria against many antimicrobial agents.
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