Micoplasmas are classified as what type of organism?

Mycoplasmas are classified as bacteria, specifically a unique group of bacteria that lack a cell wall and possess the smallest genome of any free-living organism. This characteristic allows them to adapt to various environments, making them capable of living in a range of habitats, including within the tissues of other organisms. Unlike typical bacteria that have rigid cell walls, mycoplasmas are pleomorphic, meaning they can take on various shapes, which contributes to their distinct biological behavior.

They are of particular interest in various fields, including medicine and agriculture, due to their roles in diseases affecting plants and animals. Understanding mycoplasmas is important for developing appropriate control measures in both health-related and agricultural contexts.