Question

Bacteria producing T.B. and Leprosy (Mycobacterium species) belongs to
(a) Archaebacteria
(b) Actinomycetes
(c) Eubacteria
(d) Rickettsiae

Answer 1

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. They belong to a group of gram-positive filamentous bacteria. This group is intermediate to that of fungi and bacteria.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
The Actinomycetes or Streptomycetes are a group of bacteria but show resemblance to fungi in the form that they have filamentous hyphae similar to fungal hyphae. So Actinomycetes belong to prokaryotes and are said to be the connecting link between bacteria and fungi. They are found abundantly in soil or silt of water bodies. They are facultatively anaerobic i.e. they are aerobic organisms but can switch to anaerobic if required. Actinomycetes are one of the most important microorganisms as they produce many such antibiotics and immunosuppressive compounds useful to us.

So, the correct option is ‘Actinomycetes’.

Additional information:
Let us look at the other groups mentioned in the options.
Archaebacteria: They are considered as the oldest living organisms on Earth. They possess resistivity to tolerate extreme conditions and are divided into 3 groups known as methanogens, halophiles, and thermoacidophiles.
Eubacteria: Eubacteria or also known as true bacteria are prokaryotic organisms with DNA in a single circular chromosome and cell wall made up of peptidoglycan.
Rickettsiae: The rickettsiae consist of a large group of gram-negative intracellular bacteria and are found in ticks, lice, fleas, mites, etc.

Note:
- Tuberculosis is an infectious disease and affects the lungs the most. But in severe cases, it can attack the kidney, brain, and spinal cord as well.
- Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease and is a chronic infectious disease. It affects the peripheral nerves which in turn causes loss of fingers and limbs.
- The Gram stain is a method used to distinguish bacteria on the basis of the structure of their cell walls.