What is special about mycobacteria?

Mycobacteria are immobile, slow-growing rod-shaped, gram-positive bacteria with high genomic G+C content (61-71%). Due to their special staining characteristics under the microscope, which is mediated by mycolic acid in the cell wall, they are called acid-fast. This is also the reason for the hardiness of mycobacteria.Click to see full answer. Besides, what makes Mycobacterium species unique?The distinguishing characteristic of all Mycobacterium species is that the cell wall is thicker than in many other bacteria, being hydrophobic, waxy, and rich in mycolic acids/mycolates. The cell wall makes a substantial contribution to the hardiness of this genus.Additionally, what is unique about the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis? The cell wall structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis deserves special attention because it is unique among procaryotes, and it is a major determinant of virulence for the bacterium. The cell wall complex contains peptidoglycan, but otherwise it is composed of complex lipids. Then, what are the special features of Mycobacterium tuberculosis? Microbiological characteristics Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a nonmotile, acid-fast, obligate aerobe. The bacilli are 2-4 um in length and have a very slow generation time of between 15 and 20 hours. The cell wall of the mycobacterium is unique in that it is composed mainly of acidic waxes, specifically mycolic acids.Why is mycobacteria hard to kill?Scientists have assumed that mycobacteria are so hard to kill because dormant cells exist even in patients with active disease and these cells are far less susceptible to antibiotics than metabolically active bacteria.