Which organism requires cysteine or cystine for growth and is commonly tested in clinical labs?

Study for your Microbiology exam with engaging quizzes and comprehensive questions. Review essential concepts in Clinical Laboratory Science to ensure your success. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which organism requires cysteine or cystine for growth and is commonly tested in clinical labs?

Explanation:
Francisella tularensis is a cysteine auxotroph, meaning it cannot synthesize cysteine and must obtain it from the environment to grow. In the laboratory, this organism grows only on cysteine-containing media or media supplemented with cysteine or cystine, making this a defining growth requirement. That trait is why it’s the correct choice for a question asking which organism needs cysteine or cystine for growth. The other listed organisms are fastidious as well, but their growth does not hinge on externally supplied cysteine in the same well-established way.

Francisella tularensis is a cysteine auxotroph, meaning it cannot synthesize cysteine and must obtain it from the environment to grow. In the laboratory, this organism grows only on cysteine-containing media or media supplemented with cysteine or cystine, making this a defining growth requirement. That trait is why it’s the correct choice for a question asking which organism needs cysteine or cystine for growth. The other listed organisms are fastidious as well, but their growth does not hinge on externally supplied cysteine in the same well-established way.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy