Phytoplasma

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-021005",
  "term": "Phytoplasma",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Very small bacteria that are enveloped only by a single membrane and do not possess a cell wall like typical bacteria. According to results from phylogenetic studies of various genes, phytoplasmas descended from ancestors that did possess walls. In their descent from walled bacteria in the Bacillus/Clostridium group, the genomes of phytoplasmas became greatly reduced in size. Phytoplasmas thus lack some biosynthetic pathways for the synthesis of compounds necessary for their survival, and they must obtain those substances from plants and insects in which they are parasites.",
  "references": [
    "USDA Agriculture Research Service Phytoplasma Resource Center at http://plantpathology.ba.ars.usda.gov/pclass/pclass_whatarephytoplasmas.html"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/phytoplasma/"
}