Final answer:
The Mycobacterium cell wall is beneficial to the bacteria because it prevents dehydration, resists phagocytosis, acts as a barrier to certain antibiotics, and prevents penetration by conventional Gram stains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell wall of Mycobacterium species has several properties that aid the survival and virulence of these bacteria. Four beneficial properties are:
- Protection against dehydration: The waxy mycolic acid layer in the cell wall prevents the bacteria from drying out, which is particularly beneficial in dry or inconsistent environments.
- Resistance to phagocytosis: The mycolic acid-rich cell wall protects Mycobacterium from being engulfed and destroyed by phagocytes of the immune system.
- Barrier against antibiotics: The unique cell wall composition provides a formidable barrier against many antibiotics, which contributes to the difficulty in treating infections like tuberculosis.
- Prevention of stain penetration: Conventional Gram staining techniques do not penetrate the waxy cell wall, necessitating the use of acid-fast staining to visualize these bacteria.
These properties collectively contribute to the pathogenicity and persistence of Mycobacterium in host organisms.